What are fibre-optic drones, and how do they work? Hezbollah deploys cable-guided attack drones to evade Israeli air defences

What are fibre-optic drones, and how do they work? This question has gained attention after Hezbollah began using cable-guided drones against Israeli troops along the Lebanon border. These drones rely on fibre-optic cables instead of radio or satellite signals. This makes them resistant to electronic jamming. Military experts say this technology changes battlefield tactics. The drones can fly low and approach targets without detection. Israeli troops have faced new challenges due to this development. Reports describe attacks in southern Lebanon and near the border where traditional defence systems failed to intercept these drones. The technology has also been used in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has entered a new phase. Hezbollah has deployed fibre-optic-guided drones that bypass electronic warfare systems. These drones are small and connected to operators by thin cables. They have already been used in attacks against Israeli troops and military equipment.

What are fibre-optic drones, and how do they work?

Fibre-optic drones are small unmanned aircraft connected to an operator using a thin fibre-optic cable that sends control signals and video in real time. Instead of using radio or GPS links, the cable allows the operator to steer the drone directly to a target. The drone can carry a camera and explosives. The operator watches the live video feed and guides the drone to specific weak points on vehicles or positions. This system removes the risk of electronic jamming because the connection remains physical.

What are fibre-optic drones?

Fibre-optic drones are a type of first-person view drone linked to the ground through a long cable that unspools during flight. The cable can stretch many kilometres while transmitting video and commands. These drones are often built using commercial parts and simple electronics. They are designed for short-range attacks and surveillance in areas where electronic warfare blocks traditional drones. Their small size makes them hard to detect with radar or thermal systems.

What makes fibre-optic drones special?

Fibre-optic drones stand out because they cannot be jammed using electronic warfare systems. Since they do not rely on radio signals, air defence systems struggle to detect or disrupt them. They can fly low and approach targets quietly. Operators receive clear video through the cable and can guide the drone precisely. Their low cost and simple design allow groups to produce them quickly, making them a growing challenge for modern military defence systems.

How do fibre-optic drones work?

Fibre-optic drones work by connecting the drone to the operator using a thin cable. The cable sends video and control signals. This removes the need for radio communication. The operator receives real-time video and guides the drone to the target. The drone can carry explosives and hit specific weak points.

New battlefield tactic using cable-guided drones

Hezbollah has introduced fibre-optic drones as a new tactic. The drones are connected to operators through thin cables. These cables can extend between 10 and 30 kilometres. The drones do not rely on radio signals or GPS. Because of this, electronic jamming systems cannot disrupt them.

Experts say this tactic mirrors the war in Ukraine. Both Russia and Ukraine use tethered drones in areas where electronic warfare blocks radio signals. Hezbollah has applied the same concept in southern Lebanon and near the Israeli border. Military expert Robert Tollast said the drones are deadly when operated properly. They can fly low and approach targets without being detected.

The unjammable threat

Traditional drones rely on radio frequencies or satellites. Electronic warfare systems can jam these signals. Fibre-optic drones avoid this problem by using cables. The cable sends video and control signals directly to the operator.

The drones use fibreglass materials. This reduces thermal and radar detection. Military analyst Hassan Jouni said early-warning systems struggle to detect them. These drones have bypassed the Trophy protection system on Merkava tanks. Operators use high-resolution cameras connected through the cable. They guide drones into weak points such as tank turrets and tracks.

Attack in Taybeh highlights the danger

A major attack occurred near the Lebanese town of Taybeh. An explosive drone hit an Israeli armoured unit. The attack killed Idan Fooks and injured six soldiers. When a rescue helicopter arrived, Hezbollah launched more drones. One exploded near the aircraft. Soldiers had to fire rifles at the drones because electronic countermeasures failed. Reports say Israeli troops now receive simple instructions: stay alert and shoot drones if seen.

Improvised defence measures

Israeli units have begun using improvised protection. Soldiers hang nets over positions and vehicles. The goal is to trap drones before they explode. Military correspondent Doron Kadosh reported frustration among commanders. Officers admit there is no full solution yet. Some say Israel entered the conflict without enough tools to counter fibre-optic drones.

Cheap and locally produced weapons

Israel believes the drones are produced locally in Lebanon. They may use off-the-shelf drone parts and consumer fibre-optic wire. The drones cost about 300 to 400 dollars each. Journalist Ali Jezzini said the drones may use 3D printing. The low cost makes them a cheap alternative to anti-tank missiles.

Limitations of fibre-optic drones

The drones are not perfect. Weather affects their performance. Heavy rain and strong wind make them unstable. The cable can break if the drone hits obstacles such as trees. The cable can also tangle with other drones or objects. This limits their range and reliability.

Growing drone warfare in Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine have used many drones during the war. Russia uses long-range Shahed drones from Iran. Some drones can still be jammed. Fibre-optic drones were developed to avoid jamming. In some cases, cables reach up to 50 kilometres. Footage shows Ukrainian areas covered with drone cables. Experts say modern warfare now includes a race to develop new drone technology.

Why Israel struggles to detect them?

Former Israeli air defence commander Ran Kochav said detection is difficult. The drones are small and fly low. They are hard to track even after detection. Israel has technology that tracks sound and light changes. However, these systems are not widely deployed along the northern border. Kochav said Israel focused on rockets and missiles. Drones were not a top priority.

Real-world incident in Kiryat Shmona

A drone crashed into a backyard in Kiryat Shmona. Resident Zevik Glidai found fibre-optic cables around the drone. There was no warning siren before the crash. Bomb experts said the explosives failed to detonate. They called it a miracle. Glidai said the incident increased fear among residents.

A new phase in drone warfare

Hezbollah began using fibre-optic drones in March. The group has released videos showing attacks. Some videos show drones striking troops and vehicles. Israel also uses drones for surveillance and attacks. However, fibre-optic cable drones represent a new challenge. Military officials say they are working on technological solutions. Until then, troops rely on nets and rifles.

FAQs

Q1. What are fibre-optic drones used for in warfare?
Fibre-optic drones are used for surveillance and attacks. They avoid electronic jamming by using cables. This allows operators to control them in heavily defended areas and strike military vehicles or troops.

Q2. Why are fibre-optic drones difficult to stop?
They do not use radio or GPS signals. Electronic warfare cannot jam them. They fly low and are hard to detect, forcing soldiers to rely on visual detection and small arms fire.