Satellite images show Russia added more anti-drone nets to its submarines at a Pacific base thousands of miles from Ukraine

Russia has bolstered its defense against drones at a major naval base in the Pacific Ocean, as evidenced by new satellite images. More than half a dozen submarines at the Rybachiy Nuclear Submarine Base, located on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, are now covered in anti-drone netting, according to imagery analyzed by the U.S. spatial intelligence firm Vantor. This comes despite the base being thousands of miles away from Ukraine, suggesting Russia perceives threats to its Pacific Fleet extending beyond the conflict zone.

The images contrast with those from May, which showed only two submarines covered with anti-drone netting at the same base. The expanded use of these defenses at such a distant location indicates Russia's growing concern about drone attacks. Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to carry out drone strikes on Russian targets thousands of miles away, including the Arctic, Siberia, and even near China's northeastern border.

In June 2025, Ukrainian drones targeted Russian air bases across these regions, highlighting the potential for long-range threats.

In response, Russia has also equipped at least three submarines with counter-drone cages at the Novorossiysk naval base, which serves as the Black Sea Fleet's homeport and has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian drones. British defense officials noted that these cages were added as a preventive measure due to Ukraine's increased capability to strike targets further from the front line.

This trend of using anti-drone cages, which provide additional protection against drones or shrapnel, marks a shift in Russia's strategy to safeguard naval assets across various fronts, including infrastructure and energy facilities, mirroring the use seen in Ukraine.