The UK has invited industry to submit novel concepts for detecting and countering fiber-optic-controlled drones.
The UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has invited industry to submit novel concepts for detecting and countering fiber-optic-controlled uncrewed aerial systems.
Connected via kilometers of ultra-thin fiber-optic cables, these remotely-controlled drones bypass wireless communication entirely, making them resistant to conventional electromagnetic countermeasures that rely on radio-frequency jamming or GPS disruption.
As they operate without emitting radio-frequency signals, they are also difficult to detect, further complicating efforts to neutralize them.
Emerging from the rapid evolution of drone technology during the war in Ukraine, fiber-optic-controlled systems have become a go-to capability for both Russian and Ukrainian forces in environments heavily affected by electromagnetic interference.
Conversely, they have become a significant challenge for opposing forces due to their resilient operating characteristics.
FPV drone with fiber-optic communication channel. Creative CommonsPossible Solutions
UKDI is interested in assessing the feasibility, viability, and desirability of solutions to address the emerging challenge.
The solicitation excludes broader counter-drone measures that do not directly address fiber-optic systems, as well as kinetic defeat or operator protection solutions.
Instead, it emphasizes the development of an integrated detection-and-tracking solution.
Potential approaches include acoustic detection that uses drone sound signatures, as well as high-resolution imaging combined with pattern-recognition technologies to identify and classify targets.
According to UKDI, proposed solutions should integrate into a layered, open-architecture framework, such as the Ministry of Defence’s SAPIENT data standard, while delivering operational advantages in areas such as engagement timelines, lethality, and cost-effectiveness.
The agency also noted that systems should account for future adversary adaptation and be suitable for both fixed installations and mobile frontline units operating in contested environments.
