Russia turns to armed grain carriers to counter Ukrainian drone threat - Bloomberg
Russia plans to equip grain carriers with machine guns, armour and military escorts in an effort to protect grain exports from Ukrainian attacks, Bloomberg reports.
According to Bloomberg, Russian officials are proposing the temporary installation of heavy machine guns and mobile missile launchers on bulk cargo vessels. The measures are being discussed by the military, transport authorities, grain traders and shipowners.
The move comes in response to recent attacks on ports, ships and other maritime infrastructure. As a result, shipping in the Sea of Azov has virtually come to a halt over the past two weeks, despite the route normally handling around a quarter of Russia's grain exports.
According to recommendations reviewed by Bloomberg, grain carriers could be fitted with armour plating, sandbags, anti-drone netting and special mounts for heavy machine guns.
Military escorts and convoys
In addition, armed military personnel would accompany vessels during the initial stage of their voyages. Under a so-called go-pro scheme, troops would install machine guns on pre-prepared mounts while ships are still in Sea of Azov ports. The weapons would reportedly be equipped with thermal imaging or night-vision sights.
After passing through the Kerch Strait, military personnel would leave the vessels, taking the weapons and ammunition with them.
Another proposal would see grain carriers travel in convoys between the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea under the protection of military patrol boats. Traders and shipowners would bear the costs of retrofitting the vessels and providing military escorts.
Why the plan is raising doubts
Sources familiar with the discussions told Bloomberg that the proposed measures underscore the serious threat Ukrainian drones pose to Russia's grain exports. The attacks are already affecting the revenues of exporters and farmers and have contributed to global wheat prices reaching their highest level in two years.
At the same time, some market participants are sceptical about the effectiveness of the plan. In their view, retrofitting vessels and providing military escorts could prove extremely costly while still failing to guarantee full protection.
The developments highlight how Ukrainian drone attacks are forcing Russia to seek new ways to safeguard not only grain shipments but also fuel supplies.
Earlier, Ukraine's Centre for National Resistance reported that Russian forces had begun concealing fuel in plastic containers inside grain trucks in an effort to disguise military supply shipments.
