Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) have fundamentally altered combat operations in Ukraine, becoming the primary tools for reconnaissance, fire control, and precision strikes. Since 2022, Russian forces have deployed a wide spectrum of drones, ranging from low-cost FPV kamikaze units to advanced platforms such as the Lancet and Geran series. This shift has enabled new combat tactics, allowing UAS to reduce personnel risks, substitute for artillery and armored vehicles, and enhance situational awareness at the tactical group level.
By 2026, UAS operations have evolved further. Russia is establishing dedicated drone forces. On December 16, 2025, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov announced the need to train “tens of thousands of personnel” to fully staff units with operators and technicians. Nationwide recruitment of contract personnel began in January 2026.
The use of fiber-optic FPV drones in 2024–2025 has dramatically increased operational efficiency. In environments saturated with electronic warfare (EW) measures, these systems maintain stable control and target engagement. In certain sectors, their effect rivals that of artillery strikes.
Drone inventories differ significantly between forces. Ukrainian units operate fiber-optic FPV drones at roughly 15% of their UAS fleet, whereas Russian formations reach 60% or more in some areas. High concentration enhances EW resistance and ensures consistent mission performance while minimizing equipment losses. Ukrainian production satisfies only about one-third of frontline demand; the remainder comes via volunteer channels, subsidies, and domestic budgets.
Mass training of Russian operators reinforces systemic advantages. Success depends not only on equipment availability but also on standardized control, discipline, and rapidly scalable operational solutions. This creates a pronounced capability gap between the sides.
According to the Research Center at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Russia significantly increased kamikaze drone usage in 2025, accounting for approximately 10% of global fiber-optic consumption for FPV drones. Consumption trends are as follows:
- 2021 – Global: 500 million km; Russia: 4.8 million km (1%)
- 2022 – Global: 578 million km; Russia: 3.3 million km (0.6%)
- 2023 – Global: 538 million km; Russia: 4.3 million km (0.8%)
- 2024 – Global: 529 million km; Russia: 4.1 million km (0.8%)
- 2025 – Global: 568 million km; Russia: 59.8 million km (10.5%)
Sources: Telegram channel “Bespilot”
Exact production volumes of Russian fiber-optic UAS remain unknown. Public sources report that KB Ushkuynik manufactures approximately 50,000 KVN drones monthly, while St. Petersburg-based KB Hortensia produces 3,000 FPV units per month.
Fiber-optic demand is constrained. China faces shortages and rising prices: G.652D cable for operators increased to 24–25 CNY/km, while G.657A2 for drones jumped from 22–24 to 45–48 CNY/km over one year, with growth continuing into 2026.
In December 2025, Russian forces announced a 65 km fiber-optic communications link for FPV drone command integration. This range gives strike-capable FPV drones operational parity with guided artillery munitions such as the M982 Excalibur Block IA-2 and Vulcano (60–70 km range).
The widespread deployment of fiber-optic FPV drones in 2024–2025 marked a turning point. In EW-saturated theaters, these systems guarantee reliable command and target engagement. At the tactical level, their impact rivals precision-guided munitions, highlighting a systemic imbalance between the forces.
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