Now Reading: Russia shields submarines with anti-drone grills, partial submersion
-
01
Russia shields submarines with anti-drone grills, partial submersion
Russia shields submarines with anti-drone grills, partial submersion
New satellite imagery from the UK Ministry of Defence shows Russia protecting its Kalibr-capable submarines at Novorossiysk with anti-drone structures and partial submersion. Ukrainian outlet Defense Express analysed the images, dated June…
The Story in Brief
New satellite imagery from the UK Ministry of Defence shows Russia protecting its Kalibr-capable submarines at Novorossiysk with anti-drone structures and partial submersion. Ukrainian outlet Defense Express analysed the images, dated June 13, showing two Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class submarines fitted with large anti-drone 'grills'. The submarines are kept partially underwater, with only the sail above the surface. The water around the hull can reduce the impact of an aerial drone strike, while the grills protect sensitive equipment on the sail.
A third submarine visible in the imagery has no grill. Defense Express suggests it may have been preparing to leave port, or could be a submarine previously damaged by an underwater drone and possibly awaiting disposal. Russia has used partial submersion at Novorossiysk since 2024, according to the outlet, while anti-drone grills were documented earlier by the UK MoD. The combination shows Russia adapting as Ukrainian drone attacks on naval ports increase.
The Indian Opinion
Russian forces are often portrayed as either invincible or beaten. The satellite evidence of submarines being fitted with grill defences and kept half underwater suggests something more complex: an adaptation to a real threat. Ukraine's drone campaign has forced the Black Sea Fleet to rethink even port safety. The question to watch is whether Russia will pull its remaining submarines further east, say to Sevastopol or even the Caspian. That would tell us if the Black Sea is no longer a safe haven for any Russian warship.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
