Russian forces, attempting to mitigate the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone strikes, have started deploying anti-drone nets along key supply routes in eastern Ukraine. These nets are designed to prevent loitering munitions or bomber drones from targeting Russian convoys or military units. The initiative was revealed through a video published by a Kremlin-backed media outlet and further details were provided by a Russian army sapper team commander from the 3rd Army Corps.
The project focuses on the installation of netting systems that span over open stretches of roads, particularly between Bakhmut and Chasiv Yar, two key locations in the ongoing conflict. According to the commander, the nets are being installed to increase the safety of Russian military equipment on the move, providing protection against drone strikes that have proven highly effective against convoys and supply routes. The nets are being installed on the most exposed sections of the roads, with continuous efforts to expand their coverage area.
The use of such nets, while seemingly an innovative solution, is a relatively cost-effective method of defence against various types of drones. These include loitering munition drones, armed with grenades or IEDs, as well as FPV (first-person view) drones operated via fibre-optic cables, which are resistant to electromagnetic suppression. The decision to deploy these nets highlights Russia’s growing vulnerability to drone warfare, particularly as Ukrainian forces continue to utilise drones to great effect in attacking Russian supply lines.
While the anti-drone nets may not guarantee full protection from well-executed strikes, they are viewed as a practical, albeit temporary, solution to force Ukraine to expend more resources per target. The nets, though not foolproof, are an example of the makeshift and often ineffective measures Russia has resorted to as Ukrainian forces keep gaining ground with innovative technologies.
In addition to the nets, Russian forces have also introduced other ad hoc anti-drone technologies, such as traffic lights equipped with drone detection systems, to further protect their positions and assets. These measures indicate the growing recognition of the power and threat of drone warfare, and the lengths to which Russian forces will go to defend their assets.
External Video: Russian Forces Use Netting to Protect Against Drone Attacks on Roads
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