Czech Republic Starts Production of Jan Žižka Fiber-Optic Guided Drones for Ukrainian Forces
Czech volunteers and industry partners have begun producing the Jan Žižka fiber-optic guided drone to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The initial batch of approximately 200 units is complete and public fundraising is underway to expand production toward roughly 500 additional drones.
What the Jan Žižka Drone Is
The Jan Žižka is a strike class FPV (first person view) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that uses a long optical fiber cable to maintain continuous command and control with its operator. This hard-wired link makes the system resistant to electronic warfare and radio jamming, a growing concern on the modern battlefield.
The platform is named for Jan Žižka, a historic Czech military leader. Czech developers designed it after examining a captured Russian fiber-optic UAV system. This prototype offered key details on fiber-optic control and guided the new Czech design.
Production and Design
Production is led by a Czech volunteer association working with local engineers. The design emphasizes simplicity and local sourcing to control costs and speed manufacture:
• Fiberglass airframe components built in Czech Republic
• Landing gear and parts made with 3D printing
• Batteries assembled locally
• Optical fiber spools with a range of up to 25 kilometers
Because the drone relies on a physical fiber line for control, it does not emit radio signals that could be detected or jammed by enemy systems. This feature addresses a tactical need where radio or GPS disruptors are widely used.
Funding and Scale
Full-scale production is supported by public donations organized under the Dárek pro Putina (Gift for Putin) initiative. Organizers report steady contributions from Czech citizens who see the project as a practical way to aid Ukraine. The current fundraising target of 15 million Czech crowns is expected to fund about 500 drones if met.
The initial 200 drones are already complete and expected to be delivered to Ukrainian forces. Further batches will follow as funds and components are secured.
Operational Context
Fiber-optic UAVs have become more common in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These systems are valued for their resistance to signal jamming and the secure control they offer in highly contested electronic environments. Western military analysts have noted both sides’ increased use of tethered drones to counter electronic warfare tactics.
Ukraine’s own drone forces are organized under the Unmanned Systems Forces, a dedicated branch of the armed forces formed in 2024 to expand UAV operations across land, sea and air.
Technical and Battlefield Notes
The Jan Žižka may carry several kilograms of payload, including guided warheads, and is designed to operate close to the ground where traditional radio guidance may struggle. The fiber link remains connected as the UAV maneuvers, enabling precise operator control in cluttered terrain.
Producing components locally also helps reduce unit costs, reported at roughly one third lower than comparable UAVs with similar capabilities.
What’s Next
With the first units completed, further production will depend on continued funding and material supply. Czech organizers have signaled plans to sustain the project, using public donations to back ongoing deliveries to Ukraine’s front line.
