Hezbollah fibre drones challenge Israeli defences

Israeli forces in southern Lebanon are facing a new battlefield challenge after Hezbollah deployed fibre-optic guided drones that appear resistant to electronic jamming, according to an Israeli media report. The report, published by Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, describes an incident over the Lebanese town of Taybeh in which Israeli defence systems were reportedly unable to detect or disrupt incoming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the report, an Israeli medical evacuation helicopter carrying wounded soldiers came under threat from a drone during a rescue operation. Ground troops reportedly opened fire at the approaching UAV, which detonated close to the aircraft. The drones are said to be first-person view (FPV) systems operated via fibre-optic cables rather than radio signals, making them resistant to electronic warfare and jamming technologies. The cable reportedly extends for tens of kilometres, allowing operators to guide the drones directly to targets. Military analysts cited in the report said the systems are also difficult to detect due to their lightweight fibreglass construction, which reduces radar and thermal signatures. The report claims the drones have been used to strike armoured vehicles, including Israeli tanks equipped with the “Trophy” active protection system, which is designed to intercept incoming threats. One reported attack in Taybeh involved an explosive drone striking an armoured unit, killing one soldier and injuring several others. A subsequent drone reportedly detonated near a helicopter during evacuation efforts. Israeli field commanders quoted in the report described limited countermeasures, relying largely on visual detection and small-arms fire. Some units have reportedly begun using improvised protective measures, including netting over positions and vehicles. Military sources acknowledged that existing defences were not fully prepared for this type of threat, despite similar drone warfare tactics being observed in other recent conflicts. Analysts also noted that while fibre-optic drones offer improved resistance to jamming and precise control, they remain vulnerable to weather conditions and physical obstructions that can sever the cable link. The development reflects an ongoing shift in regional warfare, where low-cost drone systems are increasingly being used alongside traditional weapons to challenge more advanced military platforms.

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