AI data centers and Ukrainian drones compete for fiber optics. Due to rising prices, manufacturers have started making their own coils

This is reported by Ars Technica with reference to Oleksiy, a representative of the research and development department of the Ukrainian company BlueBird Tech.

According to data provided by Ars Technica, Russia alone purchased over 60 million km of fiber optic cable in 2025, which is more than 10% of global production. Previously, Russia's share in global demand did not exceed 1%.

Fiber optic cables are also being purchased en masse by companies building data centers for artificial intelligence. According to research company TrendForce, the global fiber optic cable shortage could reach 180 million km by 2026.

“If we compare fiber optic prices in 2025 and 2026, we saw an increase of approximately 6–10 times,” said Oleksiy.

China remains the main source of fiber optic for Ukrainian manufacturers. Sometimes it is purchased through intermediaries in other countries, but the Chinese origin of the material usually does not change.

According to a BlueBird Tech representative, there have been cases when Chinese manufacturers have directly informed Ukrainian buyers that they cannot provide them with material precisely because they are from Ukraine. Russia, on the other hand, has much simpler logistics routes from China, which makes it easier for it to purchase components.

In addition, Ukrainian companies also have to take into account the duration of delivery. After all, even after the cargo arrives in Ukraine, delays may occur. For example, due to air traffic alerts, during which customs procedures are suspended.

Therefore, in order to be less dependent on Chinese suppliers of finished products, some Ukrainian manufacturers have changed their approach to procurement. Now, instead of ready-made small spools for FPV drones, they purchase fiber optic on large spools, and then independently rewind it into smaller ones intended for drones.

This approach may make the finished product a little cheaper, but the main advantage is quality control. After all, according to Alexey, there are defects in finished coils from China. And if the fiber is damaged or breaks during the flight, the operator may lose contact with the drone.

However, not everyone can afford to switch to in-house winding. This requires specialized equipment, quality control, and trained workers. Large manufacturers are more likely to organize such a process, while smaller companies often continue to buy ready-made coils.

Another problem is the lack of people who know how to properly manufacture coils. According to Oleksiy, Ukrainian universities do not have specialized programs that train specialists specifically for this type of production. Therefore, companies have to train their employees themselves.

And it also costs money, because while beginners are mastering the technology, they make mistakes and spoil the material. And for practice, many kilometers of fiber optic cables may be needed.

Moreover, even automated equipment does not completely solve the problem. It needs to be properly configured, and the finished product needs to be thoroughly tested. In addition, some of the coils from each batch need to be installed on real FPV drones and tested in flight.

Previously, dev.ua wrote that Ukrainian defense manufacturers are forced to spend more and more money not only on the components themselves, but also on ensuring their supply. BlueBird Tech CEO Valeriy Zarubin said that companies have to pay in advance for large batches of components, and then wait for their manufacture, delivery, and customs clearance. Because of this, significant amounts can remain frozen for several months, even before production begins.

According to him, even one day of production downtime can cost at least millions of hryvnias, so companies are trying to create stocks of components in advance and prevent downtime.

“The West wants to see an iPhone with a victory button.” Co-founder of General Chereshnya talks about robot warfare and an alternative to fiber optics

On the topic

“The West wants to see an iPhone with a victory button.” Co-founder of General Chereshnya talks about robot warfare and an alternative to fiber optics

The Ministry of Defense updated the drone procurement mechanism because the cost of fiber optics changed by hundreds of percent in a short time

On the topic

The Ministry of Defense updated the drone procurement mechanism because the cost of fiber optics changed by hundreds of percent in a short time

Read the country's main IT news in our Telegram

On the topic

Read the country's main IT news in our Telegram