Russia camouflages Black Sea submarines with 'barbecue grills' - UK Defense Ministry
Russian submarine (Photo: video screenshot)
Russia's Black Sea Fleet has begun equipping its submarines with protective cages to defend against drones, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.
An analysis of commercial satellite imagery dated between June 6 and 9 established that Russia's Black Sea Fleet was equipping Kilo-class submarines with protective cages installed over the vessels' conning towers. In this way, they are attempting to counter drones.
As of June 9, three of the four submarines had already been fitted with these cages. The UK Ministry of Defence suggests that the fourth remaining one will be equipped with the so-called barbecue (protective cage) in the near future.
"This activity is almost certainly being conducted as a preventive measure in response to Ukraine's increasing ability to strike targets further from the front line with UAS," the British ministry said in a statement.
Photo: Russian submarines (x.com/DefenceHQ)
What is known about Russian submarines
The Kilo class (NATO classification) is a collective designation for Soviet and Russian diesel-electric submarines (Project 877 "Paltus" and the improved Project 636 "Varshavyanka").
They are quiet, capable of operating in shallow waters, reach speeds of up to 20 knots (submerged), and are armed with torpedoes, mines, and Kalibr cruise missiles.
Recently, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) drones struck the cable ships Volga and Vyatka, which were located on the territory of the Zaliv plant in occupied Kerch. As a result of the attack, a large-scale fire broke out on the vessels.
Russia has filed a complaint with an international organization regarding Ukrainian strikes on tankers of the so-called shadow fleet. In Kyiv, it was emphasized that these vessels should not be considered purely commercial.
