Resistant to enemy EW: Ukrainian fiber-optic-controlled drones Khyzhak REBOFF

An increasing number of combat missions are conducted using fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones, which are resilient to enemy electronic warfare (EW) systems.

3DTech is the first Ukrainian developer to successfully complete the codification process for its ‘Khyzhak REBOFF’ fiber-optic-controlled unmanned aerial system (UAS) line with the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. These drones are equipped with fiber-optic spools measuring 10 to 20 kilometers in length, allowing their effective deployment according to the operational requirements of combat units. 

The development of Ukrainian fiber-optic-controlled UAS began in 2023 in response to the demands of Ukrainian service members. During testing, the drones successfully navigated water obstacles (rivers and lakes) and flew over power lines at speeds up to 143 km/h. In 2024, the first evaluation batches were delivered to the military. These batches demonstrated the potential for scaling this technological area in the war against russia.

Today, the manufacturer’s portfolio includes five fiber-optic-controlled models that are already being supplied to combat brigades and effectively operated by FPV drone pilots.

Khyzhak REBOFF 10 Lite 10KM

Designed for repelling assaults and urban combat, this drone has an effective range of 8–9 km, as pilots typically reserve 10–20% of the fiber-optic cable for maneuvering and adapting to weather conditions.

The drone can carry a payload of 1.8 kg, making it highly effective for short-range operations.

The company emphasizes that this model is most effective because of its relatively short operational range, since longer distances raise the risk of fiber breakage.

Khyzhak REBOFF 10 Lite 15KM

A cost-effective drone that demonstrates its potential on the frontline, both for targeting vehicles/equipment and for maneuvering indoors.

Adding 5 km of fiber resulted in a payload reduction of just 300 grams. A 1.5 kg warhead is more than sufficient to destroy armored vehicles using shaped charges or to neutralize enemy personnel with fragmentation elements.

Khyzhak 13 REBOFF 20KM

This model, equipped with a 20 km fiber spool, is especially effective for destroying frontline enemy infrastructure, including artillery, mortars, and electronic warfare (EW) systems.

The UAS features two battery packs. This engineering solution improves the drone’s balance, making it more maneuverable and easier to control.

Khyzhak REBOFF 15KM

In combat, the operator positions the drone near enemy logistical lines and can wait in ambush for hours until a high-priority target appears.

This model is powered by a single 8S3P 13,500 mAh battery pack, whereas the 20–25 km variants are equipped with two. Reducing the number of battery packs allows for increased payload capacity.

Khyzhak REBOFF 10KM

Capable of carrying the heaviest payload in the lineup—2.2 kg—over distances up to 10 km, this drone is effective for repelling enemy offensives, frontline operations, and urban combat.

The entire lineup of five UAS is designed to operate at altitudes of up to 500 meters and speeds of up to 70 km/h, though some models were able to unwind their fiber spools at 143 km/h during tests.

Guided by military requirements and combat experience, the company has equipped all Khyzhak REBOFF drones with quick-release mounts, allowing them to be assembled and disassembled without fastening straps. Each UAS is equipped with landing legs for safe takeoff, landing, and loitering in ambush.

If units need to upgrade their radio-controlled drones to fiber-optic control, REBOFF spools can be integrated with 10- and 13-inch drones from other manufacturers already in service.

The company is preparing to codify drones equipped with 25- and 30-km spools, which will enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces of Ukraine to effectively strike enemy equipment, vehicles, and personnel behind the front lines.