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Russia Fits Anti-Drone Cages on Three Submarines at Novorossiysk Base
Satellite images from early June show protective cages installed on Kilo-class vessels at Russia's main Black Sea naval hub. Britain's defense ministry called the step a response to Ukrainian drone strikes deeper inside Russian territory.
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Russia has fitted anti-drone cages over the conning towers of three Kilo-class submarines at the Novorossiysk naval base, according to satellite imagery dated June 6-9, 2026. Britain's defense ministry assessed that a fourth submarine at the same base will almost certainly receive identical equipment.
The ministry stated the cages are almost certainly a preventive measure against Ukraine's growing ability to strike targets farther from the front line with drones.
Novorossiysk serves as the current hub for Russia's Black Sea Fleet after assets were relocated from Sevastopol. Ukraine has carried out multiple drone attacks, including with exploding uncrewed boats, against the Novorossiysk base. Russia has already placed barriers in the water around the facility.
The cages are designed primarily to counter aerial threats, a tactic more commonly seen on tanks and armored vehicles. Ukraine conducted more than a dozen long-range missile and drone strikes inside Russia during June 2026, with most targeting energy sites. Russia's defense ministry and its embassy in the United States did not respond to requests for comment on the British assessment.
