AI data center demand raises fiber costs for Ukrainian drone makers

A Ukrainian soldier holds a tangle of fiber optic cable from the Russian FPV (First-Person View) drone that struck her vehicle on July 19, 2026 in Kramatorsk, Ukraine.

Image: Primary

Published Tuesday, November 10, 2026 · 8:09 AM EST

Ukrainian drone makers face higher costs for Chinese optical fiber as their purchases compete with AI data centers for limited supply, Ars Technica reported. The cable links drones to operators and allows them to resist electronic warfare jamming that can disable radio-controlled aircraft. Russia and Ukraine rely on Chinese suppliers for bulk fiber and finished spools. Chinese customs data show Russia imported 328,000 miles of fiber-optic cable in August 2025, compared with Ukraine's 72 miles, illustrating the disparity in their access.

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Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business. This story was sourced from Ars Technica and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.

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