Russian Patrol Ships Add Fence Protection Against Drone Threats

Russian patrol ships operating near the Black Sea and the Kerch Strait have reportedly started using chain-link fencing and metal cage structures as added protection against Ukrainian drone attacks. Reports and photos shared online showed several patrol vessels with improvised barriers installed around the bridge and upper parts of the ships.

According to reports, the fencing was placed several meters away from important parts of the vessels to reduce the impact of explosions from incoming drones. Some Russian-linked social media pages claimed the materials were bought through public donations and have already been installed on more than one patrol ship.

The move came after repeated Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian naval assets around Crimea and the Kerch Bridge area. Ukrainian forces have increasingly used unmanned surface vessels and aerial drones to target patrol boats, military ships, and coastal infrastructure connected to Russian operations in the region.

Recent reports stated that Ukrainian drone boats struck Russian patrol vessels guarding the Kerch Strait in late April. Ukrainian officials claimed the attacks damaged patrol and anti-sabotage boats assigned to secure the bridge area. Some reports also mentioned casualties among Russian personnel onboard the vessels.

Photos circulating online showed Project 21980 “Grachonok” patrol boats fitted with protective mesh coverings over parts of the superstructure. Analysts said the setup appeared similar to “cope cages” previously seen on tanks and armored vehicles during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.