In an interview with the Open Ukraine Foundation, Tymofiy Solovyov, head of the company that imports and provides drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, talked about how FPV drones are changing the situation at the front and becoming an indispensable tool in the fight against the enemy.
How did FPV drones reach the front lines?
Initially, the military began ordering standard drones for reconnaissance purposes. However, by the end of 2022, it became clear that conventional drones were losing their effectiveness due to electronic warfare (EW) systems. "Everyone started to realize that ordinary drones were becoming irrelevant because of jammers and EW systems, so they began switching to FPV drones," Solovyov explains. These drones allow operators to change frequencies and select different protocols, making them harder to jam.
FPV drones as kamikaze
The main reason for the popularity of FPV drones is their low cost. According to Solovyov, “one drone costs about 200-300 dollars.” Due to the fact that explosives are attached to it, such drones can destroy enemy equipment worth millions of dollars. “A drone with such a low cost can destroy a tank worth millions of dollars,” he adds.
How are FPV drones made?
Ukrainian developers have already started producing their own components for FPV drones, including video transmitters, receivers, flight controllers, propellers, motors, and frames. "We are almost entirely manufacturing everything in Ukraine," Solovyov notes, highlighting the level of development of Ukrainian manufacturers in this field.
FPV drones and EW systems
FPV drones have proven highly effective against EW systems because they can operate on frequencies that are not affected by these systems. "Moreover, this drone can hit the EW system and destroy it," Solovyov explains, emphasizing the versatility of these drones.
FPV drones: What lies ahead?
According to Tymofiy Solovyov, Ukrainian forces are now actively using FPV drones equipped with thermal cameras, night vision, and artificial intelligence. "These are guidance systems that allow a drone to approach enemy positions or equipment. If the drone loses connection with the operator, it can automatically track the target and strike it," Solovyov explains, discussing the capabilities offered by artificial intelligence.
FPV drones have become an essential tool on the battlefield, giving Ukrainian forces a significant advantage and increasing the effectiveness of their operations.
It should be noted that the Open Ukraine Foundation has already transferred more than 250 drones to the frontline to help our military.
