Developers from the Russian region of Tula have announced the creation of a new long-range heavy drone called Provod (“Cable”), designed to operate via a fiber optic system.
According to engineer Andrei Ivanov, the device is an evolution of the previous Ovod model and has been upgraded to carry a larger ammunition load, as well as to expand its operational capability in the field.
The Provod’s key feature is the use of large fiber optic spools, which maintain constant communication between the operator and the drone even over long distances. This system prevents the signal from being blocked by electronic warfare interference, a common vulnerability in conventional drones that rely on radio transmission. As a result, the drone can maintain stable control even in combat environments with heavy electronic interference.
According to the developers, the drone can operate at distances of 25 to 30 kilometers while carrying a payload of up to 4.5 kg, a volume considered two to two-and-a-half times higher than that carried by traditional drones. This capability increases its offensive potential, allowing it to transport a larger amount of explosives and enhancing its effectiveness against strategic targets on the battlefield.
Ivanov stated that the Provod has already begun being sent to warehouses of the Russian Ministry of Defense, from where it will be distributed to Army units. Mass production has already started in Tula, and the drone has been highlighted as particularly effective against armored vehicles. The engineer also noted that, months earlier, the same team developed a high-speed interceptor drone from the Ovod family, capable of reaching up to 240 km/h, designed to neutralize enemy drones.
Source: Sputnik | Photo: X @sputnik_brasil | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
