Ukraine’s fiber optic drones are flying farther, but one maker questions whether 45–50 kilometers are worth the trade offs
TechEx weighs more range
TechEx, a major Ukrainian maker of fiber-optic and interceptor drones, told Business Insider that extending their range further may not justify the trade-offs. The company has models capable of reaching up to 35 and 40 kilometers.
Oleg, a TechEx executive identified only by his first name for security reasons, said the company is considering whether to make versions that fly 45 or 50 kilometers. He said it is still assessing whether such long-range FPV drones would be used on the front lines or whether the company should stay with ranges of 40 or 45 kilometers.
Range can affect payload
Some Ukrainian drone makers say shorter-range fiber-optic drones can be more effective because longer distances increase the chance of the cable breaking. The cable coil also weighs something, which can reduce how much the aircraft carries.
How those effects would change at longer ranges remains uncertain. Companies differ in how they assess the balance between drone weight and range.
Different missions need different drones
Ukrainian units use drones from different companies for different tasks, and soldiers say having options lets them choose equipment for each mission. Some operations may favor greater range with a smaller payload, while others need more firepower over shorter distances.
Payload trade-offs also matter for intelligence work. Soldiers have described using fiber-optic drones to gather information with onboard cameras, but higher-quality cameras can add weight.
Feedback shapes designs
Fiber-optic drones are one part of Ukraine’s growing arsenal, which also includes long-range and mid-strike drones and heavy bombers. These systems offer different capabilities and vulnerabilities, so manufacturers and soldiers must decide what matters for each mission.
TechEx has a technical support department that Oleg says works with more than 100 units. Feedback leads to weekly product changes, from small updates to major revisions. The company’s Striker interceptor drone prototype, for example, was initially larger and carried a 1.5-kilogram payload, but testing and feedback led to a smaller, more agile design that did not need such a large payload.
Key points
- The company is considering whether to develop versions capable of flying 45 or 50 kilometers.
- Longer distances can raise the risk of cable breaks, while the coil’s weight may limit payload.
- Different missions can favor either greater range or a heavier payload.