Satellite imagery shows Russia adapting submarine defences amid drone threats

High-resolution satellite imagery reveals Russia fortifying submarine defenses at Novorossiysk naval base amidst expanding Ukrainian drone threats. According to Ukrainian defense outlet Defense Express, three Russian Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class submarines are seen in the imagery, among vessels used for launching 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles at Ukrainian targets.

Two of these submarines, stationed within the inner harbor, boast anti-drone structures commonly referred to as "grills" or "barbecues" based on Defense Express' analysis of the satellite photos. The remaining submarine lacks this protective measure.

In addition to the grills, all three submarines are partially submerged with the majority of their hulls below water level while their upper structures remain afloat. This dual protection strategy - water surrounding the submerged portion potentially mitigating drone strike impact and grills safeguarding the exposed sail - aims to safeguard sensitive equipment housed within the sail.

The sail contains retractable masts, hatches and other vital components crucial for submarine operations, rendering it particularly vulnerable. Defense Express notes Russia has been keeping submarines partially submerged at Novorossiysk since 2024, while the installation of grills on the vessels was previously documented by the UK Ministry of Defence.

The imagery, dated June 13, indicates Russia is employing a combination of these protective measures that had been observed separately before. The partial-submersion arrangement may also allow the submarines to maintain connectivity to shore-based utilities while utilizing the exposed sail.

The third submarine in the imagery, however, does not exhibit an anti-drone grill. Potential explanations put forth by Defense Express include the submarine possibly being prepared for departure, with the grill removed prior to leaving the port, or it being a previously damaged vessel awaiting disposal or repair.

Despite these possibilities, the satellite imagery itself does not definitively establish these conclusions. Nevertheless, the latest imagery underscores Russia's ongoing adaptation of submarine protection measures as Ukrainian drone attacks pose an increasingly significant threat to naval assets at port.