Russia uncovers deadly plot: Explosive goggles smuggling foiled

Russian sources report that Skyzone Cobra FPV goggles, supposedly modified by saboteurs, contained between 10 to 15 grams of explosives, and their detonation was intended to occur by pressing the power button, which would have lethal consequences. The Russians also claim that the goggles were discovered during the inspection of packages containing humanitarian aid from volunteers (who were unaware of the goggles' "modifications"), and the boxes in which they were packed showed visible signs of tampering.

It is unclear how many such "modified" goggles were sent, as noted by The War Zone. It is also unknown whether the devices ended up in the hands of Russian soldiers, who commonly use FPV drones. In such a case, their use could be disastrous. Members of the Lebanese Hezbollah became aware of this kind of threat in September 2024. However, instead of goggles equipped with explosives, they received pagers. The explosion of these devices was triggered by a message sent to them.

During the war in Ukraine, FPV (First Person View) drones became one of the essential tools used by both sides of the conflict. These small, inexpensive, remotely controlled devices, initially designed for racing and recreational flying, have been adapted for military purposes. They are used for observing the battlefield and the enemy, as well as for carrying small explosives. In the latter form, they represent a significant threat to both personnel and military equipment.

FPV drone pilots often use VR goggles. These goggles are used to transmit live footage from the camera mounted on the drone directly to the operator's eyes. This gives the pilot the impression of being aboard the drone, allowing for precise control and better situational awareness. This perspective is particularly useful during complex manoeuvres, low-altitude flights, and precision attacks.