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Recently, Ukraine conducted a major drone strike on Russia, reportedly destroying over 40 aircraft using First-Person View (FPV) drones—marking one of the deepest strikes into Russian territory since the start of the conflict in 2022. This highlights the growing role of FPV drones in modern asymmetric warfare.

What are FPV Drones?

First-Person View (FPV) drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allow remote pilots to view the drone’s surroundings through a camera mounted on the drone. The live feed can be transmitted to:

• Specialized goggles
• Smartphones
• Other display screens

This immersive view enables highly precise navigation and control.

Key Features and Technologies

• GPS-Independent Navigation: Operates effectively even when GPS signals are jammed or unavailable.
• SmartPilot System: Uses visual-inertial navigation by interpreting camera data to assess the drone's position and orientation.
• LiDAR Integration: Enhances terrain mapping and obstacle detection in complex environments.
• Low Cost: A functional FPV drone can cost as little as $500, making them highly affordable compared to traditional weapon systems.

Operational Use in Combat

• Reconnaissance First: Typically, a long-range reconnaissance drone is used to identify the target area before deploying FPV drones for strikes.
• Deep Strike Capability: Despite having a short range (a few kilometres), FPV drones offer stealth and precision to strike deeply into enemy territory.
• Combat Strategy: Their agility and affordability make FPV drones a key component of attrition warfare, especially for resource-constrained nations.

Advantages in Warfare

• Cost-effectiveness: Offers high-impact capability at a fraction of the cost of conventional weapons.
• Reduced Human Risk: Limits the need for manned missions in hostile territory.
• Stealth: Smaller size and low acoustic footprint make them harder to detect and intercept.
• High Destructiveness: Able to carry payloads such as explosives, effectively targeting tanks, aircraft, and installations.

Challenges and Limitations

• Limited Range: Operates within a few kilometres, requiring deployment close to target zones.
• Reduced Situational Awareness: Pilots rely solely on camera feed, which may not provide full spatial context.
• Need for Visual Observers: In complex environments, an additional observer may be needed to guide the operator safely.

Ukraine’s Use of FPV Drones

Ukraine has effectively integrated FPV drones into its military strategy:

• In November 2023, FPVs were credited as a low-cost, high-impact method of resisting Russian advances.
• NATO sources indicated that over two-thirds of Russian tanks destroyed recently were hit by FPV drones.
• Ukrainian drone manufacturer Vyriy Drone delivered 1,000 indigenous FPVs in March 2025.
• Ukraine is projected to produce over 4 million drones in 2025, reflecting a significant scaling of domestic capabilities.

Geopolitical and Strategic Implications

• Technological Self-Reliance: Domestic production protects nations from geopolitical supply chain disruptions (e.g., China’s chip exports).
• Global Proliferation: Countries like Israel and Iran have also developed drone systems, including HAROP and Shahed drones respectively.