Because the drones are physically tethered to operators through thin fiber‑optic cables, they do not emit signals that can be jammed or spoofed.
By Hezy Laing
Israel’s defense sector is rapidly mobilizing to confront the growing danger posed by fiber‑optic–controlled drones, a new class of low‑cost weapons that is beginning to undermine traditional battlefield defenses.
Major firms such as Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael, along with several younger companies, are accelerating research and development efforts to counter this emerging threat.
The Defense Ministry and MAFAT have instructed engineers to compress development schedules and deliver practical solutions as soon as possible. Still, observers argue that the pace remains slower than the urgency demonstrated by events over the past few years.
Defense officials reportedly warned the government repeatedly that Hezbollah in Lebanon was adopting these technologies, and analysts note that Israel has yet to fully internalize lessons from Ukraine, where similar drones have already reshaped combat.
Despite Israel’s sophisticated arsenal — from stealth aircraft to the Merkava tank and the Arrow missile shield — the IDF now finds itself racing to protect ground forces in southern Lebanon from small, inexpensive drones costing only a few hundred dollars.
These devices can inflict serious casualties on soldiers and civilians, especially in northern towns, and experts fear the technology could spread to Gaza or Judea and Samaria.
Engineers describe fiber‑optic drones as a direct challenge to Israel’s electronic‑warfare systems.
Because the drones are physically tethered to operators through thin fiber‑optic cables, they do not emit signals that can be jammed or spoofed.
Their simplicity makes them harder to detect and neutralize.
The IDF has begun deploying physical barriers, including overhead netting similar to systems used in Gaza, but these measures mainly protect stationary positions and offer limited value for mobile units.
A broad array of counter‑drone technologies is now under review, though few have been fully validated in combat.
These include advanced radar systems from companies such as Kela Systems, Third Eye Systems, and B‑Sense, as well as laser weapons and high‑power microwave systems designed to disable drones mid‑flight.
Kinetic interception remains another track, with electro‑optical fire‑control sights like Smart Shooter’s “Dagger” already in use by some IDF units. Additional concepts involve AI‑guided interceptor drones that collide with or capture hostile UAVs.
Similar AI‑driven defensive systems are already operating in Ukraine, where autonomous turrets have been used to detect and engage Russian drones — including fiber‑optic–guided models — underscoring the global urgency of adapting to this rapidly evolving threat.
