The Ministry of Defence codifies upgraded Baton Optic drone

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has codified the upgraded fibre-optic drone Baton Optic with an engagement range of 30 km. According to the statement, these drones are already being used effectively to strike Russian tube artillery.

The warhead of the Baton Optic is reported to be sufficient to engage lightly armoured vehicles, tactical vehicles and dugouts. The drone uses fibre-optic control and video transmission channels, which are fully protected against enemy electronic warfare systems.

Baton Optic was first reported in May 2025: in the previous version, the warhead was mounted beneath the fibre-optic spool, but it has now been moved to the upper part of the drone. In addition, the upgraded version is said to feature more powerful electric motors, a reinforced frame, and cameras that allow it to operate at any time of day and in conditions of poor visibility.

No other technical specifications of the Baton Optic or its cost were disclosed in the statement.

It is also worth recalling that in December, the use of Ukrainian fibre-optic drones by Ptashka Drones with a 50 km spool was reported.