U.S. Marines Test Fiber-Optic FPV Drones to Defeat Jamming in Over-Water Operations.

On January 27, 2026, U.S. Marine Expeditionary Force and the Defense Innovation Unit conducted an over-water test of fiber-optic FPV drones at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The demonstration examined how tethered unmanned systems can remain effective when GPS and radio-frequency links are disrupted by electronic warfare.

Us Marine Expeditionary Force, working in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit, carried out a fiber-optic first-person view small unmanned aircraft system over-water demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on January 27, according to information released by the U.S. Marine Corps. The event brought together Marines from 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, to assess whether fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones could sustain reliable control, navigation, and live video transmission in environments where conventional drones are increasingly vulnerable to jamming, spoofing, and signal denial.
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A first-person view small unmanned aircraft system rests on a table ahead of an FPV sUAS over-water demonstration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, on January 27, 2026. (Picture source: US DoD)

Unlike traditional small unmanned aircraft systems that depend on wireless communications, fiber-optic FPV drones use a physical fiber cable to transmit flight commands and sensor data between the aircraft and the operator. This architecture removes the drone from the electromagnetic spectrum, preventing jamming, interception, spoofing, and geolocation of the control link. For the Marine Corps, such systems are increasingly viewed as a practical solution for reconnaissance, route surveillance, target observation, and battle damage assessment in contested battlespaces where electronic dominance can no longer be assumed.

The FPV sUAS over-water demonstration involved Marines from 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, including U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Juan Paragine, a qualified sUAS operator. Conducted in a maritime environment, the test assessed the drone’s handling, responsiveness, and video fidelity over water, where wind, glare, and limited recovery options place additional demands on small unmanned systems. These conditions closely mirror the operational challenges expected during future amphibious and littoral operations.

Fiber-optic FPV drones have gained prominence in recent conflicts where dense electronic warfare environments have neutralized conventional drones within minutes of launch. By maintaining a secure and uninterrupted data link, fiber-optic systems allow operators to penetrate areas saturated with electronic countermeasures and maintain situational awareness at the tactical edge. This capability directly supports Marine Corps Force Design priorities, particularly distributed operations and survivability inside contested zones.

While Marine Corps officials described the Camp Pendleton event as an evaluation rather than a procurement decision, the partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit highlights the Department of Defense’s intent to rapidly identify and adapt commercially inspired technologies with immediate battlefield relevance. Fiber-optic FPV drones are being examined as a complementary capability rather than a replacement for existing wireless sUAS fleets, offering a niche solution where electronic warfare threats are highest.

For Light Armored Reconnaissance units, the use of fiber-optic FPV drones could significantly extend sensor reach while minimizing exposure to electronic detection. However, practical considerations such as fiber length, vulnerability to physical damage, and sustainment logistics remain under evaluation as the Marine Corps continues to refine its unmanned systems concept of employment.

The Camp Pendleton fiber-optic FPV sUAS over-water demonstration illustrates how the U.S. Marine Corps is reshaping its unmanned aviation approach to remain effective in increasingly contested electromagnetic environments. As peer adversaries continue to invest heavily in electronic warfare capabilities, fiber-optic drones may become a critical enabler for maintaining tactical awareness and freedom of maneuver.