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Russia Builds “Aurelia” Sea Fence as Ukrainian Drones Push Black Sea Fleet Into Retreat
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Russia has introduced a modular barrier system named “Aurelia”, designed to counter Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), according to TASS on September 7.
The system was developed by the Russian company “Rusich” and was tested in the Gulf of Finland with the participation of Russia’s Navy.
It was also presented at the national gathering of combat drone operators, known as “Dronnitsa,” held in Veliky Novgorod, Russian media FederalPress reported on September 8.
According to the developer, Aurelia consists of 10-meter-long and 3-meter-wide modules that include floating supports, connecting nets, anti-waterjet elements, and anchors. When a vessel—whether using a waterjet or propeller engine—passes through the barrier, its active elements are drawn into the propulsion system or entangle the propeller, disabling the craft.
The system is designed to be deployed near strategic coastal sites, creating protective zones against USVs and conventional boats. “Rusich” representatives told Russian media that “Aurelia” aims to damage engines and “provide effective protection of strategic facilities from both uncrewed and manned boats.”
Moscow has tested several methods to defend against Ukrainian naval drones, which have been used extensively in the Black Sea. Previous defenses included barges with boom barriers stretched between them, as well as rapid-response tactics such as intercepting USVs with Lancet loitering munitions, FPV drones, and naval aviation.
In addition, Russia has deployed fast patrol boats like the Raptor class, armed with heavy machine guns, to engage approaching drones.
Ukraine has employed USVs such as the Magura V5 and SeaBaby in multiple strikes against Russian naval assets, oil facilities, and bridges. These attacks have forced Russia to expand its defensive efforts across the Black Sea and near key infrastructure.
Ukrainian drones have played a decisive role in reducing Russia’s freedom of movement at sea. Ukraine’s naval drone campaign has sunk or disabled several vessels of the Black Sea Fleet, including landing ships and patrol craft.
Strikes have also targeted the Kerch Bridge and oil terminals, disrupting logistics and demonstrating Ukraine’s ability to project force far from its own shores.
The success of these USVs has compelled Russia to retreat much of its fleet from Sevastopol to safer bases further east, limiting its operational capacity. Ukrainian officials have described these drones as cost-effective tools that challenge far more expensive Russian warships, shifting the balance in the maritime domain.
Earlier, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that a Magura V5 sea drone detonated in Novorossiysk Bay while being recovered by Russian forces, killing five elite naval divers from the PDSS unit who had been deployed to examine it.
