Russian forces are increasingly using small FPV drones controlled through fibre-optic cables to strike electrical substations in Ukraine’s Sumy region, according to an open-source analysis of verified battlefield footage.
Unlike radio-controlled drones, these aircraft are connected to their operators by a thin cable, which makes them resistant to electronic jamming. Their signal can only be interrupted if the cable is physically severed.
Analysts say the drones have been used in coordinated attacks against protected substations. In some cases, one aircraft damages the anti-drone netting before a second enters through the opening and reaches equipment inside the facility.
The Centre for Information Resilience says it has confirmed several strikes against high-voltage substations located between 16 and 26 kilometres from the front line. The affected sites had previously been reinforced with concrete structures and protective nets against missiles and larger drones.
Energy specialists note that the economic imbalance is significant. A fibre-optic drone may cost only a few thousand dollars, while an autotransformer at a major substation can be worth several million dollars and may take considerable time to replace.
Ukrainian officials describe the attacks as part of a wider effort to weaken regional power supplies. Moscow says its military operations are directed against targets connected with Ukraine’s defence infrastructure and denies deliberately attacking civilians.
