Czech developers launched production of fiber-optic FPV drones for Ukraine, inspired by captured Russian UAVs, producing hundreds of low-cost units resistant to electronic warfare systems.
Czech developers have launched production of drones for Ukraine based on a captured Russian UAV. The aircraft is controlled via a fiber-optic cable and costs roughly one third less than comparable models, OBOZ.ua reports.
According to Czech media, the new quadcopter was developed using Russian “loitering” drones as a model, which are operated through a thin fiber-optic cable. This control technology makes the drone resistant to electronic warfare (EW) systems.
The prototype for the development was the Russian drone Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky — a trophy captured by Ukrainian defenders from the 102nd Territorial Defense Brigade. Last autumn, one of the servicemen spotted the UAV waiting for a target on a road and cut its fiber-optic cable. The drone was later delivered to Prague, where the Spark collective’s team completely dismantled it and used it as a reference for their own model. The trophy now decorates the workshop of the Czech drone makers.
“We told ourselves that we would return to the Russians what they send us. I often saw the remains of such drones during my trips to Ukraine, but they were unusable. This one, however, was a real gift from the sky,” said Spark’s head, Lesia Kopchuk.
Within two months, specialists designed the drone and set up mass production. Most components were manufactured in Czechia, including the fiberglass frame, 3D-printed parts, batteries, and spools of fiber-optic cable measuring 25 kilometers. To reduce the cost per unit and speed up production, the developers simplified the design as much as possible.
The new drone was named after the famous Hussite military commander Jan Žižka. With the support of the “Gift for Putin” initiative, Czech developers have managed to produce around 200 units. Fundraising is currently nearing completion to manufacture about 500 more UAVs, which will also be handed over to the Ukrainian military.
“I believe that Ukraine can easily manage without assistance from the Czech government. But the positive thing is that after every statement by Macinka, Okamura, or Babiš, new donations appear in our accounts. And that makes us happy,” said Martin Ondráček, a representative of the “Gift for Putin” initiative.
As OBOZ.UA reported, Ukraine has received several French-made Rodeur 330 unmanned aerial vehicles. The drone can carry out reconnaissance and combat missions. The delivery was confirmed by EOS Technologie, which said that the Ukrainian side has already received the aircraft.
It was also reported that French automaker Renault, together with defense company Turgis Gaillard, will produce long-range drones for Ukraine. Renault confirmed its participation in the project, but did not disclose the contract value or the number and type of drones involved.
