Nets Added to Russian Submarines to Defend Against Ukrainian Drone Attacks

Recent satellite images reveal that Russia has begun netting its nuclear submarines, a defensive measure against Ukrainian drone attacks. The coverings have been observed at both the Rybachiy naval facility on the Kamchatka Peninsula and in the Black Sea port of Novorossijsk.

At the Kamchatka facility, nets are covering Borei and Borei-A class nuclear ballistic missile submarines, which are central to Russia's nuclear triad. In Novorossijsk, metal cages have been used to protect parts of Kilo-class attack submarines. This response highlights Ukraine's growing capacity to hit targets deep within Russian territory.

Russia previously relied on electronic warfare to counter drones, but Ukraine adapted by employing artificial intelligence and altering control frequencies. When electronic countermeasures proved insufficient, Russia turned to lower-tech solutions like nets and cages. Reports suggest the effectiveness of these nets against drone attacks is questionable, with Ukrainian drone operators claiming they can be destroyed by other drones.

Ukraine has recently demonstrated its ability to strike significant targets within Russia. In June 2025, Ukrainian special forces conducted short-range strikes using 117 drones against Russian bombers from within Russia's borders. In June 2026, Ukrainian drones flew approximately 620 miles to the Kronstadt naval facility near St. Petersburg, damaging the corvette Boikiy and nearby munitions warehouses.

The Russian Black Sea Fleet has implemented other defensive measures. In 2024, the Delta-IV nuclear submarine Tula was seen with early anti-drone protection. In Novorossijsk, crews painted a flat submarine outline on the pier and erected a dummy conning tower to deceive visually guided weapons.