Modern warfare is constantly evolving, and drones have become one of the most decisive weapons on the battlefield.
Even heavy artillery, once considered a dominant force, is now vulnerable to small, precise unmanned aerial vehicles. The latest footage from Ukraine demonstrates how drones are capable of striking hidden Russian howitzers with ease.
Precision Strikes Through Small Gaps
Ukrainian forces have used fiber-optic-controlled drones to destroy Russian self-propelled howitzers hidden inside buildings.
As reported by Tech WP, footage shows drones maneuvering through narrow gaps in hangars, where Russian forces had concealed their equipment. Two howitzers—a 2S1 Gvozdika and a 2S19 Msta-S—were targeted and destroyed.
These fiber-optic drones represent a major shift in battlefield tactics, as traditional jamming systems are completely ineffective against them.
The Return of Unstoppable Drone Warfare
During the early stages of the war, drones had free reign over the battlefield, but electronic warfare measures soon made them less effective. However, fiber-optic-controlled drones have eliminated this advantage.
Unlike traditional UAVs, these drones do not rely on radio signals and cannot be jammed. They operate passively, making them undetectable by standard anti-drone systems.
The main drawback of this technology is the need for a spool of fiber-optic cable, which limits their range and payload capacity. Depending on the mission, these drones can operate at distances of 10-40 km, with greater range often reducing the weight of the warhead.
With battlefield technology advancing rapidly, even well-protected artillery is no longer safe—forcing both sides to adapt to the new era of drone warfare.
