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Russia’s Black Sea Submarines Get ‘Cope Cages’ Against Ukrainian Drones
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According to the UK’s Ministry of Defense, Russia has begun installing anti-drone cage structures over Black Sea Fleet submarines based at the port of Novorossiysk, a move that British intelligence assesses is intended to counter Ukraine’s growing long-range drone capabilities.
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An analysis of commercial satellite imagery taken between June 6 and June 9 found that protective cage structures had been installed over the sail sections of three Kilo-class submarines.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 03 July 2026.
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) July 3, 2026
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As of June 9, three of the four submarines at the base were equipped with the structures, while the UK Ministry of Defense said it is “almost certain” the fourth submarine will receive similar protection in the near future.
The British defense ministry said the measures are “almost certainly being undertaken as a precautionary measure in response to Ukraine’s increasing capability to strike targets well beyond the front line using uncrewed systems.”
According to the UK’s Ministry of Defense, the submarines are stationed at Russia’s Novorossiysk naval base, which has become the primary base for much of the Black Sea Fleet after Ukraine’s maritime drone campaign forced Russia to relocate many of its warships from occupied Crimea.
The Kilo-class designation, used by NATO, refers to Russia’s Project 877 Paltus and upgraded Project 636 Varshavyanka diesel-electric attack submarines. The vessels are designed for relatively quiet underwater operations and are armed with torpedoes, naval mines, and Kalibr land-attack cruise missiles.
The protective structures, commonly referred to in Russia as “mangals,” have become increasingly common on Russian military equipment during the war. Initially installed on tanks, armored vehicles, and air defense systems to reduce the effectiveness of drone attacks, they are now appearing on naval assets as well.
According to the UK Ministry of Defense’s assessment, the installation of anti-drone cages on submarines suggests Russia is expanding protective measures against aerial drone threats in addition to the maritime barriers already deployed around the Novorossiysk naval base to defend against Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessels.
Earlier, Russia was seen fitting anti-drone netting to an FSB Coast Guard Project 22460 Okhotnik-class patrol ship based in temporarily occupied Crimea. The improvised protection reflected a broader trend of adding physical drone defenses to Russian naval vessels as Ukraine expanded its use of aerial and maritime drones.
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