No radio signal, no way to jam it: Ukraine’s top-ranked strike drone can wait 48 hours for its target

Ukrainian manufacturers have identified strike drones that are impervious to Russian jamming. The Beshket, Deadliner Q1, and Vyriy Opto drones secured top three places in a July ranking of fiber-optic strike systems utilized by Ukraine's Defense Forces, according to Defender Media. Fiber-optic drones are resistant to electronic warfare that can disrupt conventional drones.

Guided by a thin cable that deploys as they travel, they cannot be jammed, making them crucial weapons in a conflict where electronic warfare is pervasive. The highest-ranked drone is the Beshket, a 10-inch drone with a 90-kilometer-per-hour speed, 16-minute flight time, and a capacity to carry up to 4 kilograms of payload on eight motors.

It features an ambush mode that allows it to remain stationary for up to 48 hours before striking, at a cost of $2,170 on the state Brave1 Market. The manufacturer of the Beshket confirmed its top position but did not provide further details. The second-ranked drone is the Deadliner Q1, produced by Stellarion, which boasts a 110-kilometer-per-hour speed, a 2-kilogram payload, and the ability to fly for at least 20 minutes, all for a price of $1,810 on Brave1 Market.

Stellarion confirmed its runner-up status in a press release. The Vyriy Opto drone, also a 10-inch drone, claimed third place. It operates on a 20-kilometer cable spool, reaches speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, flies for 21 minutes, carries 1 kilogram of payload, and is equipped with a thermal camera, all for around $2,000.

The significance of these drones on the front lines is underscored by Ukraine's production efforts. In the first half of 2026, Ukraine has manufactured 413 unmanned aerial systems, a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2025 and a 73% increase from the same period in 2024. Kyiv aims to produce seven million drones in 2026, which is roughly double the output of 2025.