Optical Zonu has announced its partnership with Strategic Logix to provide a custom fibre-controlled architecture for their Rapid Reconfigurable Systems Line (RRSL) of configurable military drones.
The RRSL is a US-made, NDAA-compliant, modular drone ecosystem delivering a low-cost approach to meet the evolving unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) needs of the modern battlefield. Unusual Machines supplies key drone components used in the RRSL platform, enhancing its performance and scalability.
The growing use of inexpensive, mass-produced drones by countries like China and Ukraine has exposed a critical gap in the US defence strategy. Commentary by Congressman Pat Harrigan in June 2025 discusses a pressing need for the US military to invest in scalable, cost-effective drone capabilities that can be deployed quickly and in volume to meet the realities of modern combat. RRSL satisfies this need by offering unmatched flexibility, field-level customization, and mission-ready performance for under $800 per unit.
“RRSL is a modular drone ecosystem built by warfighters, for warfighters, to solve a critical cost and scale problem in US defence,” said Jeremy Schnipke, CEO of Strategic Logix. “We are excited to have Optical Zonu and its tethered drone capabilities as part of our National Coalition of Small Businesses (COSB) to help bring the RRSL to life – leveraging the agility and innovation of US-based manufacturers to accelerate delivery timelines, support local economies, and restore American leadership in defence tech.”
Each RRSL drone unit is attritable, pre-programmed, solder-free, and designed to reconfigure within minutes. This enables seamless transitions between intelligence/surveillance/reconnaissance (ISR), loitering munitions, fibre-optic control, electronic warfare payloads, and more without the need for tools or technical personnel. The plug-and-play design ensures warfighters can adapt on the fly, execute diverse mission profiles, and outpace emerging threats with minimal downtime.
Optical Zonu fibre-controlled solutions ensure a secure, tethered control via fibre optical cable for numerous battlefield situations where jamming, interference, or high-speed data transmission is essential. The advanced architecture is engineered to integrate seamlessly with the Strategic Logix line of RRSL quadcopters, enabling transparent command and control over fibre optic spools extending up to 40 kilometres. The system requires no modifications to the existing control architecture and no additional hardware beyond the fibre-based drone link, allowing for rapid, plug-and-play deployment.
“We’re proud to be a part of this initiative that brings US-engineered innovation to the forefront of defence technology,” said Meir Bartur, CEO of Optical Zonu. “By combining our expertise in fibre optic communications with the agility of Unusual Machines’ high-performance drone components, we’re enabling a powerful, secure, and scalable solution that aligns with the mission needs of our armed forces. We believe such collaboration is essential to strengthening national security.”
“The RRSL is a great example of the versatility, flexibility, and performance that a modular drone ecosystem offers – benefits with applications far beyond consumer markets, including commercial use cases and defence,” said Stacy Wright, Executive Vice President of Revenue at Unusual Machines. “We are excited to be part of this initiative with Strategic Logix and Optical Zonu to strengthen US UAV capabilities and address the evolving needs of government and public safety.”
