Latest news with #Yas
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Inside Ukraine's Fiber-Optic Drone War
Across the battlefield, both Ukraine and Russia are using fiber optic cables instead of radio waves to connect many of their first-person view (FPV) drones with their controllers. That makes them impervious to jamming and other forms of electronic warfare and helps mitigate the effects of terrain that can also interfere with radio control. Now, the commander of the First Corps Azov Brigade of the Ukrainian National Guard's Unmanned Systems Battalion, who uses the call sign Yas, has given us the bottom-line on the current state of play when it comes to actually employing fiber optic FPVs as weapons in an exclusive interview. It's worth noting that the Russians started the use of fiber optic wires on the FPV drone in the Spring of 2024 and Ukraine quickly followed suit. You can read more about that in our original story here. Yas' comments on fiber optic FPVs are part of a nearly two-hour interview conducted on Memorial Day about the Unmanned Systems Battalion and its fight in and around the rubbled city of Toretsk in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. We will publish the rest of the conversation in the coming days. The questions and answers have been slightly edited for clarity. Q: What is your experience using fiber optic cables on FPV drones? A: I'm very lucky, because I have my people, and one of the members of our team, he practically made the implementation of this technology in our unit possible, and the idea is great, because you are operating in total radio silence, so you cannot be detected by any radar system [passive sensors]. And any electronic warfare means that later on, they are just inefficient. At the same time, the use of fiber optic cables, as with any FPV drone, has its own peculiarities of operation, and if the pilot is not skilled enough, that is going to lead to significant losses in such equipment and systems. Ukrainian soldiers walk along a field covered in fiber-optic cable from FPV drones somewhere near the frontline. — Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) May 27, 2025 Q: What's the percentage of targets hit with fiber-optic controlled drones? A: I would say that there is approximately a 50% probability that a totally functional drone that flies on a combat mission will strike its target. And I would also like to mention that this technology is quite fragile. Any mistake in handling this drone can result in an unintended explosion, for example, or in a loss of control. So that's quite a surprising thing, but we also had such issues of control loss. Mistakes can result in the fiber optic tearing as well, but nevertheless, we also had some successful strikes with the fiber optic drones. Q: Any other drawbacks to fiber optic cables that you can share? A: When manufacturers are very hasty about selling their technology, selling their recently developed product to us, this is actually the segment of the systems that causes the most problems. Q: How so? A: Well, the problem was that at the start of the development of this technology, the majority of manufacturers did not produce the components for the drone themselves; they basically purchased the fiber optic systems from China, and they were just reselling the Chinese components. We were buying the technology without properly understanding how to deploy it. And there was also this issue with radio signals, so we needed to switch off the radio signal ourselves, because the manufacturers did not understand these specifics. And those manufacturers that just resold the components and drones from China proved to be inefficient in terms of their systems. But with time – not all of them, but at least some of them – listened to us, they paid attention to our feedback, and with time, they came to better products, which in turn can lead to a 50% probability of a successful strike, and even higher. A Russian FPV drone located a Ukrainian fiber-optic quadcopter, and then cut the fiber-optic cable with its rotor blades, causing the Ukrainian drone to crash. — Samuel Bendett (@sambendett) May 28, 2025 Q: What percentage of your drones use fiber optic cables? A: This number is the lowest, and if I were to state a percentage, I would say that this is less than 5%. Q: Why? This technology is widely used by Ukraine and Russia alike. A: The popularity of this technology is the key reason why we cannot ensure we have a sufficient number of drones using this technology. We understand that in terms of quality, any good manufacturer that provides their clients with high-quality products – and this is just a basic market principle – they will always have a lot of clients. And in Ukraine, there are several good manufacturers of fiber optics for such drones, and they have quite a long waiting list. And then we have a dilemma when waiting for two to three months is quite a long period of time, and purchasing low-quality systems is also not an option for us. Fiber-Optic FPV Drones Strike Enemy Targets We will find a countermeasure-resistant FPV drone to break through any Russian electronic warfare system. This is precisely the type of weapon deployed by Azov drone operators in the Toretsk video features strikes on… — First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine (@azov_media) March 24, 2025 Q: How much do fiber optic cable drones cost? A: Well, the price is now quite lower at the moment for drones with a range of up to 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles). It is approximately $1,200. But again, the key problem with ensuring a sufficient number of these drones is their deficit in general. Q: What is the maximum range of your fiber-optic drones? A: It all depends on the fiber optic coil that is used. We have efficiently used drones with ranges up to 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles). I know about successful deployments of 20-kilometer (about 12.4 miles) drones. But at the same time, we know that the enemy already uses drones with up to 30 kilometers (about 18.6 miles) range. Ukrainian drone manufacturer Alexey Babenko says that Ukrainian fiber optic FPVs are currently not as successful as Russian range spools in particular are only 30% successful at 15km compared to 80% for Russian flights up to 20km.1/ — Roy (@GrandpaRoy2) April 30, 2025 Q: How do you bridge that gap? A: It's quite difficult for me to say, because I'm a simple person, I mostly deal with the usage of the systems, and I think that the planning and the scaling of these technologies need to be undertaken at the state level. And I would very much like to say that everything is perfect in this regard. But unfortunately, it is not so there are the state at the moment doesn't ensure a steady supply of such systems, such drones. And that is why it is quite difficult for us to catch up with the enemy with regard to most systems. I wouldn't say with all of them, but at least with many systems, the enemy puts the processes at the state level. So we already have established processes at the state level, with simple drones, with radio control drones, etc, but in terms of the fiber optic drones, there is still much work to be done. Thread 1/xUAS Battalion of the 12th Special Purpose Brigade 'Azov' hits Russian Comm Equipment with FPV dronesSource: — Audax (@AudaxonX) May 14, 2025 Q: What's the success rate of your radio-controlled drones? A: I think that we need to divide this particular issue into two parts. The first is actually reaching the targets. And as you have mentioned, for fiber optic drones, the probability of reaching the target is really 50% and higher. And for radio drones, due to various reasons, including the frequency overloading problem and various different factors, the probability can be much lower. For example, it can decrease to 30% etc. But there is also the story of actually striking the target. So not only reaching but striking targets. And here, other factors also come into play. For example, we can say that when the enemy is actively moving, when the enemy personnel is taking shelter, when they're hiding in basements and dugouts, etc, the probability of efficiently striking the target will be much lower than, for example, if we are deploying our drones in the open air. And the same story is true about deploying drones to strike enemy vehicles. So once again, there is a higher probability of reaching the target. So it's not a problem for a radio-controlled drone to reach a target. But there is, for example, an issue with the frequency overload, and we are trying to solve that through internal coordination, so we coordinate among the units in order not to overload one particular frequency. But there are also other aspects that also come into play. Q: Such as? A: If we delve deeper into the smaller details, we can say that these other factors include the enemy's tactics, the shooting down of our drones, and also definitely the electronic warfare measures that the enemy implements. The drones that are currently provided by the state are usually unable to operate at ranges more than five to eight kilometers (about 3.1 miles to about five miles) from the contact line. In terms of the enemy's electronic warfare (EW) measures, they have reached quite a high level of efficiency because they are frequently successful in suppressing, jamming our radio signal. We are trying to use better parts, more powerful parts, for our repeaters in order to provide coverage for our drones and to be able to continue efficiently deploying them. Unlimited Destruction of Occupiers in the Toretsk SectorAzov's FPV drones strike without limits — there is a munition for every video showcases a compilation of Russian light vehicles and personnel struck by the fighters of the Unmanned Systems Battalion of the… — First Corps Azov of the National Guard of Ukraine (@azov_media) March 15, 2025 Q: How strong is Russian electronic warfare? And how has it developed over the course of the war? A: Well, I think that the power of any element of the Soviet army is not in the equipment's quality, but in the equipment's quantity. So the Russian electronic warfare has an undoubted advantage in terms of numbers, and this is especially true for the electronic warfare. For example, they invent a countermeasure, they learn how to jam our control channel, and they quickly scale this decision, the solution, up. They quickly distribute that among their military. So then we change to another channel. We change to other frequencies, but when they find out how to channel those, they also scale this solution up. The same was true about our video transmission. So they learn how to create obstacles at the standard frequencies. Usually that's 5.8 [GHz] and they also learn how to introduce countermeasures to other systems of communication. I would like to say that at the moment, Russian electronic warfare is undoubtedly one of the leading in the world. So I do not want to underestimate the enemy. We need to accept, to acknowledge, the level of the enemy. Q: Can you tell me how else you're trying to improve your radio line of sight and beyond line of sight capabilities of your radio-controlled drones? A: I can differentiate it into two parts. The first is dealing with radio shadow. And usually, as for me, the best way to deal with this problem is to launch repeaters and place them directly above the targets to be struck. For example, we use this tactic when we need to deploy our drones inside of buildings. When we send our drones towards a building, we actually land the repeater on top of the building, and then we deploy another drone. The picture was just perfect. The picture was very good because of that repeater placement. As for your question regarding the line of sight, I think that's not really an issue of the line of sight, but about the transmission intensity. More and more drones are deployed, and more and more systems are used, and we are we're dealing with the problem that some frequencies are overloaded. We need to deal with these issues, and we need to experiment with the emitters and receivers in order to solve this problem, because both us and the enemy, we all will use more and more drones. And as for some ideas that are currently discussed – like the use of aerostats to install repeaters on – personally, I do not like this idea. It's not really efficient. In the next installment of this interview, Yas talks about the unit's new SETH drone, the problem with thermite-spewing so-called dragon drones and why Azov doesn't use weapons-equipped ground drones. Contact the author: howard@
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Kerala State Land Use Board project to transform wasteland in Kattakada assembly constituency into fertile farmland
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Land Use Board (KSLUB) identified 271.22 hectares of wasteland, including private land, in the six panchayats under Kattakada assembly constituency as part of 'Jaivasamridhikoppam Kattakada' project. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The initiative is envisioned to convert cultivable wastelands in the constituency into agricultural lands, promote organic farming and achieve agricultural self-sufficiency. The project is being implemented in Malayinkeezhu, Pallichal, Kattakada, Vilavoorkal, Vilappil and Maranalloor panchayats. As a preliminary step, a fruit-plant cluster is being formed at Keleswaram in Pallichal and a Poshaka Thottam of medicinal plants at Kulathottumala in Kattakada. Fruit crops are being planted at Pottayil in Vilavoorkal and mushroom cultivation is already taking place in Vilappil. Vegetables, plantain crops and watermelon cultivation are also ongoing in Maranalloor. The fallow lands were identified through a survey conducted by KSLUB officials with the help of village officers and officials from the agriculture department, fisheries, animal husbandry, local self-department and others. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and Kudumbasree workers are also involved in the process. Landowners will receive the necessary assistance to start farming, and if they are not interested, the land will be leased for farming with the help of interested farming groups. "The project was even lauded at the UN as a 'model of convergence' as it is implemented with the cooperation of various departments. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It was planned with zero budget and if funds are needed, they can be made available from the plan funds of all the departments. KSLUB has prepared a crop calendar featuring short-term crops that will yield by the Onam season, as well as long-term crops for obtaining yields over longer periods. In the crop calendar, suitable untapped crops have been recommended to ensure better returns for farmers. Other variety crops such as rambutan, groundnuts, sweet potato and corn are also being planted. In 20 acres, paddy will be cultivated and in 25 acres, rambutan," said IB Satheesh, MLA. A registration drive will also be held in the constituency to find youngsters willing to commence farming on leased lands, the officials said. "The department has also put forward a product plan for the constituency. The project also focuses on the industrial processing of agricultural produce and converting it into value-added products through initiatives undertaken by the industries department. Land use maps, including survey numbers, have been made available to agricultural officers as part of the project. Based on the crop suitability assessment as per field surveys, slope, soil type and land use pattern of the region, as well as on the grounds of field verification, a draft DPR has been prepared wherein suitable crops are suggested," said land use commissioner Yasmin L Rasheed.
Khaleej Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Road to Jeju Island: UAE golfers chase the dream in thrilling Race to Korea finale
With the season's end looming and pressure mounting, the Race to Korea is entering its most electric chapter yet — a dramatic final sprint where dreams will be made or dashed on the fairways of the UAE. From Dubai's glistening desert courses to Abu Dhabi's coastal greens, this year's edition of the Race to Korea, presented by DUGASTA, has already rewritten the script. Participation numbers have soared to record-breaking heights, with 17 qualifiers across the Emirates bringing together the nation's most passionate amateur golfers, all chasing the same goal: a coveted spot at the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) World Final in South Korea's breathtaking Jeju Island. Now, with only three qualifiers remaining, the tension is palpable. Three Events, One Last Shot For those yet to punch their ticket to the UAE National Final, the window is closing fast. But the opportunity still exists — if they can keep their nerve. Three events remain: Yas Links Abu Dhabi – Saturday, 3rd May Abu Dhabi City Golf Club – Sunday, 4th May Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai – Saturday, 10th May These final qualifiers promise high-stakes drama, with pressure mounting on every tee box and putt. The top five finishers in each division at these events will join the elite field at the UAE National Final, set for Saturday, 17th May at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa — the final battleground before the journey shifts to international soil. Jeju Island Beckons For five standout champions, victory in Abu Dhabi will mean more than a trophy — it will mean donning the UAE colours and boarding a flight to one of golf's most awe-inspiring destinations. Jeju Island, a volcanic gem off South Korea's southern coast, will host players from 47 countries at the WAGC World Final this October. It's a chance to compete globally, all expenses paid, and to experience the camaraderie, culture, and competition that make the WAGC unlike anything else in amateur golf. The Spirit of the Game Russell Yeomans of Sport2Business, the driving force behind the Race to Korea, is buzzing with pride. 'This season has been extraordinary. We've seen more players than ever before, and the standard of play has been phenomenal. It's a testament to the strength of UAE's amateur golf community," he said. He also had a message for those still sitting on the sidelines: 'There's still time to join. If you're over 18 and have a handicap of 25 or lower, this is your moment. The prizes are spectacular, but the memories — especially for our five national champions — will last a lifetime.' With the fairways narrowing and the finish line in sight, the Race to Korea is no longer just a tournament. It's a test of nerve, a showcase of emerging talent, and a celebration of what's possible when passion meets opportunity.
Shafaq News
21-04-2025
- General
- Shafaq News
From paradise to pavement: Baghdad losing its sacred plant
Shafaq News/ Once a fragrant fixture of Baghdad's summer nights, the myrtle plant, known locally as "Yas", is fast disappearing from the city's gardens as concrete spreads and water grows scarce. The evergreen shrub, which was a staple in home courtyards and narrow alleys, now struggles to survive in a city where green spaces are vanishing and summer temperatures routinely exceed 50°C. Though it lacks direct scriptural endorsement, the Yas carries deep cultural significance across Iraq's religious communities. Its leaves are scattered at funerals, woven into church decorations, and used in Mandaean baptisms. Sheikh Mortada Hussein al-Uzerjawi described it to Shafaq News as a "living symbol,' and a "link between henna, martyrdom, and the memory of paradise in Iraqi culture.' He also cited its use in traditional healing, referencing scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawzi. Sister Rita Babeka, speaking from a Baghdad church, explained that the plant represents 'peace and purity,' often appearing in holiday rituals more from tradition than theology. Mandaean researcher Jabbar Muneer Muklif noted its importance in his community's rites, 'It accompanies us from birth to death.' In newborn ceremonies, Yas is placed on the navel as part of a pre-baptismal ritual. The plant carries symbolic weight even beyond Iraq. In Greek mythology, Aphrodite (ancient goddess of sexual love and beauty) was said to hide in its branches, giving it an ancient association with chastity and divine protection. But in modern Baghdad, tradition is colliding with reality. As real estate prices rise, homeowners are replacing gardens with annexes and rooftops. The Yas, which demands care and consistent watering, is being edged out by drought-resistant alternatives like acacia—often encouraged by municipal guidelines. Agricultural engineer Najah Mohammed remarked, 'The sound of garden shears has been replaced by construction hammers.' His colleague Ihsan Abd Ali warned that this quiet loss threatens to sever Baghdad from a vital part of its botanical and cultural identity. In the Al-Adhamiyah district, 70-year-old Hasiba Aqil recalled family dinners under the Yas branches. 'Now it's all concrete. Losing the yas is like losing the city's rhythm—its familiar sounds, its scent, its soul.' Experts are calling for action, proposing to revive the plant in public parks, offer drip irrigation incentives to homeowners, and launch awareness campaigns to reconnect residents with the city's botanical heritage. As Baghdad confronts intensifying heat and water shortages, replanting the myrtle might seem minor—but to many, it represents a step toward reclaiming a lost identity.
Zawya
31-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Development Bank Partners with AXIAN Telecom to Accelerate Africa's Digital Transformation
The African Development Bank ( has approved a $160 million senior corporate loan to support AXIAN Telecom to expand digital access and financial inclusion in nine African countries. The loan will accelerate the modernization and expansion of AXIAN Telecom's network infrastructure, with a focus on 4G and 5G deployment; while also driving digital innovation in its operations, enabling them to expand to more countries. AXIAN Telecom, headquartered in Mauritius, serves 42.9 million mobile subscribers, 11.4 million data users, and 15.2 million mobile financial service users, positioning itself as a leader in Africa's digital transformation. A key focus of the funding is to address gender disparities in access to financial services. Over $10 million will be dedicated to empowering 22,000 women entrepreneurs in Madagascar through AXIAN's Mvola platform. Additionally, a $2.5 million grant will enhance financial literacy and credit access for 34,000 women businesses across Madagascar, Tanzania, and Senegal, enabling them to grow and transition into the formal economy. Highlighting the initiative's importance, the African Development Bank's Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, Solomon Quaynor, said: 'This investment reflects the African Development Bank's commitment to driving Africa's digital transformation and fostering inclusive growth. By supporting AXIAN Telecom's growth plan, we are bridging the digital divide, creating opportunities for millions across the continent, and fostering innovation.' Quaynor described the African Development Bank's support as part of a partnership to accelerate progress, advance financial inclusion—particularly for women—and drive sustainable development, adding, 'Together, we are building the infrastructure and ecosystems that will enable Africa to thrive in the digital age.' AXIAN Telecom CEO, Hassan Jaber said, 'We are honoured to partner with an organisation that shares our vision of advancing Africa's digital economy. The funding from the African Development Bank not only underscores the immense digital potential of the continent but also highlights the critical role of collaboration in driving sustainable development.' Jabaer emphasized that the support from the African Development Bank will build on the company's ongoing initiatives, such as expanding affordable internet access and fostering innovative solutions to bridge the digital divide. while aligning seamlessly with the recent transformation of our mobile businesses under the Yas brand ( « Yas represents our commitment to empowering a young, dynamic, and digitally connected population, embracing every opportunity with a resounding 'YES.' Together, this collaboration will help drive meaningful change across Africa's digital landscape, furthering our shared mission of digital and financial inclusion,' he added. The partnership aligns with the African Development Bank's 'Hi-5' development priorities, particularly "Industrialize Africa" and "Integrate Africa', which enhance connectivity, foster cross-border digital services, and support financial inclusion. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB). About the African Development Bank Group: The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information:
