**Ukraine’s HIMARS System Destroyed by Russian Drone: A New Phase in Drone Warfare**
A recent video capture has revealed a devastating attack on a Ukrainian HIMARS rocket launcher, just 10 kilometers from the front line near Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast. The precision strike, carried out by a Russian drone operated by Rubicon, marks a significant shift in Russia’s tactics and highlights the growing concern for Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
**The Technology Behind the Attack**
What makes this attack particularly noteworthy is the use of a first-person view (FPV) drone guided by a fiber-optic cable. This technology is largely resistant to electronic jamming, making it extremely difficult for Ukraine to defend against such attacks. “Fiber optic cables are basically impossible to jam,” says Tom Withington, a defense analyst at RUSI. “Some are as thin as a human hair, making them extremely difficult to detect.”
**Who is Rubicon?**
The Rubicon unit was formed in October 2024 under orders from Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. As an elite unmanned aerial unit, Rubicon serves as a testbed for advanced drone warfare techniques, including multi-angle ambushes and buried drone explosives. The group has been active across at least seven sectors in eastern Ukraine, crippling Ukrainian convoys during Russia’s Kursk offensive.
**Strategic Implications for Ukraine**
The recent loss of the HIMARS system marks at least the fourth such destruction in combat. This growing concern is compounded by the fact that Washington has shown no sign of providing replacements under Donald Trump’s administration. The HIMARS systems, valued at approximately $3.5 million each, have been crucial in targeting Russian logistics, command centers, and ammunition depots. Their loss not only diminishes Ukraine’s military capabilities but also serves as a symbol of Western military support.
**A New Phase in Drone Warfare**
The shift by Rubicon to target high-value systems like HIMARS marks a new and troubling phase for Ukraine. Russia is no longer just harassing supply lines—it’s aiming directly at Kyiv’s strategic strike capabilities. Without effective defenses against fiber-optic-guided drones, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to safeguard its dwindling stock of advanced weaponry.
**Ukraine Fights Back**
As reported by euromaidanpress.com, Ukrainian military engineers have been working on developing new robots that can withstand jamming. However, these efforts have been hindered by issues with the glass tethers getting caught on battlefield debris and vegetation. This highlights the need for Ukraine to develop more effective defenses against advanced drone warfare.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com
