Russia Drapes Drone-Proof Netting Over Nuclear Submarines

Anti-Drone Nets Installed Over Nuclear Submarines

According to Главком: Russia has begun installing anti-drone netting over its nuclear-powered submarines at the Rybachiy base on the Kamchatka Peninsula, according to Serhiy Sternenko, an advisor to the Ministry of Defense. Satellite imagery confirms that two submarines from the Borei and Borei-A classes have been covered with these nets. These vessels are part of the primary homeport for Russia's Pacific Fleet.

The Borei and Borei-A submarines each carry 16 RSM-56 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Rybachiy base also hosts submarines equipped with cruise missiles. Located more than 7,400 km from Ukraine, this facility holds strategic importance for the Russian military.

Drone Strikes Disrupt Russian Oil Refining

In related developments, recent drone attacks have forced several Russian oil refineries to halt operations. On May 5, the Kirishinefteorgsintez plant in Leningrad Oblast-the country’s second-largest refinery-completely stopped processing oil. Other refineries that have ceased operations include:

• Syzran
• Novokuybyshevsk
• Tuapse
• Nizhny Novgorod
• Saratov

Russia’s oil processing volumes have dropped to 4.69 million barrels per day, the lowest level since 2009, according to Reuters. These incidents highlight growing challenges for the country’s refining industry and raise concerns about its national security.

The deployment of anti-drone nets at the Rybachiy base suggests that Russia is intensifying security measures against unmanned aerial vehicle threats. It also indicates that the military views strategic assets like nuclear submarines as potential targets. Meanwhile, the shutdown of multiple refineries points to serious vulnerabilities in the energy sector, which could have ripple effects on both the economy and military capabilities.

As Russia enhances its security measures with anti-drone netting over its submarines, the recent disruptions in the oil refining sector due to drone strikes raise critical questions about the country's vulnerability. These incidents illustrate the increasing threat posed by UAVs to vital infrastructure. For a closer look at how Ukrainian drones have targeted key Russian facilities, see our report on the impact of these strikes on major oil and ammonia plants here.