The small racing quadcopter, known as first-person view drones or FPVs, has emerged as the primary weapon in the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. Some of these drones are equipped with solar cells, enabling them to lie in wait for extended periods to ambush targets and act as a new kind of land mine.

“Drones can position themselves near roads and chokepoints, and when a target appears, they can rapidly accelerate toward it,” says Robert Bunker, a consultant with the US firm C/O Futures.

Drone ambush tactics have already become standard strategy for both Russian and Ukrainian forces, with devices hidden alongside roads and buildings waiting for targets. However, even if the engine is off, the camera and radio communications drain the drone’s battery, reducing their wait time to just a few hours.

Currently, Russian FPV ambush drones have been spotted utilizing solar panels for charging. While these panels can’t power the drones during flight, they can recharge other devices. Ukrainian drone warfare expert Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov has shared images of this solar setup on his Telegram channel, highlighting these advancements.

Sold as camping equipment for approximately $50, these panels efficiently charge phones and other portable devices. Enthusiasts online have already posted guides on modifying drones to include solar cells.

“The initial generation of solar technology may be bulky, but it serves as a useful proof of concept,” Bunker remarks.

A 5-watt solar charger weighs several hundred grams and provides power to the drone while on the ground. Future models are expected to be sleeker and more efficient.

“The drone could feature a solar roll that unfolds after landing, creating a charging surface. You could then disconnect it when entering combat mode,” Bunker notes. “Future iterations will likely include improvements we haven’t yet considered.”

With solar assistance, drones can lie in wait for their targets as long as the sun is shining, recharging their systems at dawn for continuous operation. The solar cells can also gradually recharge the drone’s batteries for over a day, enabling a cycle of flying, landing, recharging, and flying again.

Both Russia and Ukraine have developed drones with artificial intelligence that can identify and engage targets autonomously. When combined with solar energy, these drones can saturate the battlefield with lethal units, autonomously navigating to find and track targets.

“It’s an evolution of the point land mine,” says Bunker.

Unlike traditional minefields, the network of solar-powered drones can self-repair, filling gaps where drones have been used or destroyed. Alternatively, this field might slowly advance towards enemy positions over several days through successive charging cycles.

Today’s solar drones are often experimental prototypes, with only a limited number currently deployed. However, the widespread availability of components suggests that these designs could proliferate rapidly, much like other small drones. With their affordability and ease of assembly, ambush drones may soon become commonplace.