Russia Equips Shadow Fleet Tankers With Anti-Drone Protection

Russia is equipping its shadow fleet tankers with anti-drone protection, including nets and cages, as reported by the Financial Times and UATV English. This comes as Ukraine ramps up strikes against Russian vessels and maritime infrastructure in the Black and Azov seas. The measures are being taken in response to Ukraine's intensified attacks on Russian ships in the region.

Analysts note that the 28-year-old tanker Caruzo, under EU and UK sanctions, recently left the Black Sea through the Bosphorus equipped with anti-drone netting. Another sanctioned tanker, Rizvel, has also been seen in the Sea of Marmara with similar protective gear installed. In addition to these protective measures, Russia is bolstering defenses around the Novorossiysk naval base, home to the Black Sea Fleet.

Satellite imagery from Airbus reveals large protective nets, booms, and barges positioned at the harbor entrance to restrict access. The Financial Times reports that Ukraine has conducted one of its most extensive campaigns against Russian vessels in the Black and Azov seas over the past two months, aiming to disrupt Russia's oil exports and maritime logistics.

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces have reported striking 12 additional sanctioned vessels linked to Russia's shadow fleet in the region between August 1 and 8. These developments highlight the vulnerability of Russia's shadow fleet, a crucial component of its oil transportation system used to bypass Western sanctions. Ukrainian officials estimate that around 700 vessels carrying Russian oil are currently under sanctions.