In this comprehensive analysis from Commmesh, we examine the root causes of the 2025–2026 fiber price surge in detail, the specific role of drone warfare, why G. 657A2 grades are hit hardest, the supply-side bottlenecks that amplified the crisis, secondary effects. This article explores the main causes of the price rise, its impact on the fiber optic industry, and the future outlook for the market. Rising Cost of Fiber Preforms Fiber preforms are the most critical raw material used in the production of optical fiber. The manufacturing process of preforms. In the latest Optical Fibre and Cable Market Outlook, CRU examines the recent acceleration in fibre pricing and the tightening supply conditions emerging in early 2026. 652D fiber, bend-insensitive G. 657A2 grades have all seen dramatic increases. For distributors, telecom contractors, ISPs, and data center integrators, understanding the. From late 2025 into 2026, global fibre optic prices have increased sharply and across the board — standard single-mode, bend-insensitive grades, and in turn pre-terminated assemblies, patch leads, and bulk cable. D) have risen by 40–60% since Q1 2025, with spot market prices doubling in some.