In Michigan this summer, American sailors became the first in the country to pilot FPV drones guided not by radio signals but through fiber-optic cables. The trials took place during the large-scale Silent Swarm 25 Exercise, where unmanned technologies faced simulated enemy interference designed to jam communications and blind sensors.
For two weeks, the drills brought together a range of aerial and surface drones, giving operators a chance to see how these systems perform when electronic warfare is at its peak. Among them was a fiber-optic drone—similar to those already making a name for themselves in Ukraine’s ongoing war. Unlike radio-controlled machines, these drones remain unaffected by jamming because their commands flow directly through a cable tether.
The concept may seem unusual at first, but the Ukrainian battlefield has shown its effectiveness. Both sides in the conflict rely on such drones to strike, scout, and adapt quickly in contested environments. American observers have taken note, and Silent Swarm 25 reflects how closely the Pentagon is studying these lessons.
Why Fiber Optics Change the Game
Conventional FPV drones are small, fast, and highly maneuverable, but they are also vulnerable. A strong jamming signal can easily cut them off mid-flight, grounding them before they complete their mission. Fiber-optic drones bypass that weakness entirely. Their cable link provides uninterrupted control and a clear video feed, even in heavy electronic warfare conditions.
The trade-off, of course, is range and practicality. The cable must spool out as the drone flies, limiting distance and requiring creative tactics to prevent tangling. Despite these challenges, the stability they offer is proving invaluable in modern combat zones, where electronic disruption is almost constant.
Silent Swarm 25 — A Glimpse Into the Future
The Alpena drills featured scenarios where groups of drones worked in unison, flying under simulated surveillance and signal-jamming attacks. The Navy emphasized that the event was not about immediate adoption but about testing possibilities. Engineers and sailors evaluated how such drones could support naval missions, from reconnaissance to electronic countermeasures.
A report on the exercise stressed that introducing fiber-optic systems into the experimental cycle signals real interest from the U.S. Navy. While no procurement plans have been confirmed, the attention reflects a growing recognition that drone warfare is evolving rapidly—and America does not intend to fall behind.
Lessons Carried From Abroad
Perhaps the most telling aspect of these tests is how closely they mirror battlefield trends overseas. Ukrainian troops have shown that innovation, even with small and inexpensive drones, can shift the balance of power. By experimenting with these same concepts, U.S. forces are acknowledging that the frontline of modern warfare is often shaped by improvisation and adaptation.
As one defense analyst put it, Silent Swarm 25 was less about showcasing polished technology and more about understanding what works under pressure. For now, sailors and engineers walk away with valuable experience, while commanders gain insight into how unmanned systems—whether flying free or tethered by fiber—could fit into future naval operations.
