From Ukraine to Lebanon, 'invisible' drones are redefining asymmetric warfare, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• Hezbollah in Lebanon has deployed "invisible" fibre-optic drones against the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), redefining asymmetric warfare.
• These drones use fibre-optic cables for communication, making them immune to traditional electronic warfare systems that rely on radio frequency (RF) signals.
• The IDF has faced challenges in detecting and neutralizing these low-cost, lethal weapons despite its advanced jamming capabilities.
• The Russia-Ukraine war served as a testing ground for innovations in drone warfare, including fibre-optic drone technology.
• India is studying these developments to enhance its own counter-drone strategies, particularly against drone swarms and loitering munitions.

Detailed Insights:

• Fibre-optic drones transmit data as pulses of light through thin cables, preventing radio emissions that can be jammed or detected.
• This communication method allows operators real-time vision of targets and surrounding environments, enhancing operational effectiveness.
• The operational range of these drones has reportedly increased from 5 km to 20-30 km, expanding their tactical utility.
• Detection of fibre-optic drones primarily relies on their radar cross-section, necessitating highly capable radar systems.
• Neutralization is difficult due to their small size, lack of RF signals, and the limited time available for detection and response.
• Proposed counter-drone solutions include energy-based systems utilizing electromagnetic force and kinetic interception systems that destroy targets through physical collision.
• Israeli soldiers have adopted rudimentary tactics like protective nets and metal enclosures on military equipment to mitigate the threat.
• Fibre-optic drones have limitations, such as susceptibility to bad weather and operational failure if the connecting cable snaps.
• India's experience with drone swarms, as seen after the Pahalgam terror attack, highlights the need for robust counter-drone measures.
• Experts suggest India develop "hard-kill" counter-drone systems and utilize platforms like Light Combat helicopters and aircraft for airborne defense.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Fibre-optic drones: Drones that communicate with operators via fibre-optic cables, making them undetectable by conventional electronic warfare.
• Asymmetric warfare: Conflict between opposing sides with vastly different military capabilities and strategies.
• Radar Cross-Section (RCS): A measure of how easily an object can be detected by radar, indicating its radar visibility.
• Hard-kill counter-drone systems: Methods that physically destroy an incoming drone, such as firing projectiles or using interceptor drones.