What changed
Ukraine's use of fiber-optic drones has intensified since the Russian invasion, but the supply of fiber-optic cable has become strained due to competing global demand from AI data centers. Ukrainian drone makers are now adapting by producing fiber-optic spools domestically to mitigate supply chain issues and quality concerns.
What this means in practice
Ukrainian and Russian forces have been using fiber-optic drones to bypass electronic warfare jamming, but the material for these drones primarily comes from China. Russia has imported significantly more fiber-optic cable than Ukraine, according to customs data. Ukrainian manufacturers like BlueBird Tech are now buying large spools of fiber and producing smaller spools for drones in-house to maintain quality and reduce dependency on Chinese suppliers. This shift allows for more control over the finished product and potentially lower costs, though the material itself still relies on Chinese supply.
Limitations and availability
The high cost of fiber-optic cable has increased six to 10 times in 2025 and 2026, with the most severe shortages around March 2025. While fiber-optic drones offer advantages in electronic warfare environments, they require specialized training and have different flight characteristics compared to conventional radio-controlled drones. The global AI boom and data center expansion have further strained fiber-optic supply, with an expected shortfall of 111 million miles in 2026. Ukrainian manufacturers are navigating these challenges by adjusting their production processes, but the underlying issue of material sourcing remains tied to China.
