The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has highlighted the extensive use of drones by both nations. A recent report by The War Zone reveals that the logistics networks supporting these drones are now under attack too. Explosives were discovered inside FPV goggles meant for Russian drone operators at the front lines. These explosives were engineered to explode when the goggles were powered on, potentially harming or even killing the person using them.

The amount of explosive embedded in the goggles was small, roughly 10 to 15 grams, yet it was placed near the temple area of the goggles, making it extremely lethal. The activation of these goggles, which would trigger the explosion, almost certainly would occur while being worn, thus posing a direct threat to the life of the drone pilot.

The compromised goggles, identified as FPV Skyzone Cobra models, were sourced from China through volunteers who were likely unaware of their lethal modifications. These goggles entered Russia via the Russian courier service SDEK. Russian military personnel grew suspicious after noticing signs of tampering on the packages, such as resealed openings. Closer inspection revealed that the goggles had been tampered with, leading to the discovery of the explosives. This incident suggests that the saboteurs might have benefited from using more sophisticated concealment methods.

This incident is reminiscent of a similar sabotage that Israel carried out against Hezbollah, wherein explosives were inserted into pagers and radios to be detonated remotely. Unlike the goggles, those devices showed no external signs of interference, indicating a highly sophisticated level of operational security and execution.

Russian officials are currently investigating how and where the sabotage occurred and who might be responsible. Although the discovery of the explosives prevented any casualties, it undoubtedly adds a new layer of psychological strain for troops on the front lines, now having to consider the safety of their own equipment.

In non-conflict zones, ordinary citizens typically do not need to worry about booby-trapped electronics. However, this event underscores how adversaries might exploit technology to compromise safety and security. Even everyday items as mundane as a charging cable could, in theory, be modified to serve malicious purposes, revealing how closely linked information and physical security have become in the modern era.