In Mossad Pager-Style Operation, Russian Drone-Control Goggles Explode, Blinding Soldiers

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A series of sabotage attacks involving the remote detonation of FPV goggles used by Russian soldiers to control drones has been reported in recent weeks, resulting in eight operators losing their eyesight.

Between January and February 2025, unknown volunteer organizations supplied approximately 80 sets of Skyzone Cobra FPV goggles to various Russian Armed Forces units.

All shipments originated from the same donor, who provided them as free aid. The first detonation occurred on February 4 in Belgorod Oblast, injuring a soldier’s face and eyes. Seven more explosions followed between February 4 and 7 in the Kursk, Luhansk, and Donetsk regions.

Investigations revealed that C-4 explosive, a detonator, and a battery were embedded in the goggles, with activation occurring when the cooling fan was powered on. Authorities are now searching for other compromised devices. According to the Telegram channel Dossier of the Spy, the individual who sent the shipments left Russia for Istanbul on February 3.

While Ukrainian officials have not commented, Ukrainian social media sites that frequently post matters of military activities, are exultant over the success of FPV goggles explosions.

Did Ukraine Get the Idea From Israel’s Mossad?

The exploding FPV goggles incident within the Russian military mirrors past Mossad operations against Hezbollah, where explosive-laden pagers were used to target militants.

Retired Israeli intelligence agents have disclosed a decade-long covert operation against Hezbollah involving explosive-rigged pagers and walkie-talkies. Mossad infiltrated Hezbollah’s supply chain by modifying pagers purchased from Taiwan’s Gold Apollo through shell companies, including one in Hungary.

The operation culminated in September, with over 5,000 rigged pagers detonating in Lebanon, killing dozens and injuring many. The next day, pre-rigged walkie-talkies exploded, causing further casualties. The objective was to demoralize Hezbollah and spread fear among its members.