A drone is a machine as dependent on the atmosphere as it is on battery charge or EW-jamming cover. For example, on 29 January 2026, the Head of the Communications Department of the Joint Forces grouping, Viktor Trehubov, stated on the air of the «United News» telethon that snow, ice and sharp temperature swings noticeably reduce drone effectiveness at the front. According to him, at extremely low temperatures the fiber-optic cable on drones flying along roads freezes over, and a sharp temperature drop causes blade icing. Let us examine how critical this is and what countermeasures exist.

Wind Complicates Control

The most noticeable weather factor for FPV drones is wind. It creates a constant lateral drift that the stabilization system tries to compensate for automatically. But during sharp gusts, that capacity falls short. As a result the drone «floats» in the air, and the operator is forced to continuously correct the course instead of executing precise maneuvers.

In combat conditions this is both an overload and a risk factor, since course corrections must happen simultaneously with situational analysis and evasion of EW countermeasures. The accumulation of such loads can lead to loss of the aircraft. Particularly dangerous situations arise near obstacles and at low altitudes, where even a small deviation ends in a collision with the nearest surface.

Precipitation and Fog Affect Imagery and Communications

Rain degrades two parameters at once. First, droplets on the lens blur the image, causing the operator to lose precise orientation. Second, moisture affects the antennas and radio-channel transmitters, introducing noise and brief signal dropouts. Over long distances this can completely break control of the aircraft.

Dense fog and other adverse weather conditions provide cover for infantry infiltration. In such conditions the use of drones becomes impractical due to insufficient visibility. At the same time, according to Deputy Minister of Defense for Innovation Yurii Myronenko, drones account for approximately 90% of target kills at the front. Therefore any loss of control will almost always be exploited by the enemy to achieve their objectives.

Battery: Why Does Available Capacity Differ Between Winter and Summer?

Temperature determines battery efficiency. In freezing conditions, a portion of the charge goes toward warming the motors, so the drone discharges faster than the indicator shows. That is why some Ukrainian operators have adopted the winter practice of warming the battery in their hands to operating temperature immediately before launch.

In summer the problem is the mirror image: overheating destabilizes the electronics and can cause emergency shutdowns, while prolonged operation in the heat accelerates battery wear.

The «Achilles’ Heel» of Fiber Optics

Unlike radio communication, which degrades with distance, terrain and humidity, a fiber-optic channel transmits the signal stably inside the cable. Buildings, trees and weather therefore do not affect signal quality. Modern cables withstand a range of –40 °C to +60 °C without loss of performance.

At the same time, the mechanical integrity of the cable is a critical factor. Exceeding the permissible bend radius (fiber kinking), as well as snagging on trees, branches, poles or debris, can cause a sharp increase in signal loss or a complete break of the fiber-optic line. In addition, icing increases the weight and resistance during spooling out, which reduces the effectiveness of such drones in freezing temperatures.

Drone Operator Checklist: What to Do in Bad Weather

Before Launch

  • Cross-check the wind forecast against the drone model’s limit parameters. If gusts exceed the permissible threshold — do not launch.
  • In freezing weather, warm the battery to operating temperature in your hands or in an insulated compartment.
  • Inspect the blades, frame and fiber-optic spool for ice or condensation. Any icing is reason to postpone the flight until the aircraft is cleared.
  • Check the sealing of the electronics compartments if precipitation is forecast.
  • In dense fog or severely limited visibility, assess whether launching a reconnaissance/strike drone is justified or whether it is better to wait for conditions to improve.

In Flight

  • Reserve charge to compensate for wind and motor warming in the cold — do not run the resource to its limit.
  • When imagery degrades due to rain or fog, reduce speed and shorten the decision-making distance, accounting for possible signal latency.
  • Avoid flying close to obstacles and at low altitudes during wind gusts.
  • Continuously monitor for signs of radio-channel dropout or noise and be prepared for an early return of the aircraft.

After the Flight

  • Do not leave a discharged battery in freezing temperatures.
  • Dry and clean the airframe and camera of moisture and ice.
  • Record any abnormal drone behavior under specific weather conditions — this helps more accurately assess the advisability of subsequent flights.

Weather is part of the combat equation that must be accounted for just as carefully as the enemy’s EW positions. Understanding this determines whether the drone reaches its target or is lost due to a poorly assessed risk.