Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Russia shields Kalibr submarines with anti-drone grills and submersion
Russia has big underwater boats called submarines that can launch powerful missiles called Kalibr.
These missiles have been used to attack Ukraine.
Ukraine has been sending flying drones and underwater drones to hit Russian submarines while they sit in port.
So Russia came up with a clever way to protect them.
New satellite pictures show Russian submarines at a base called Novorossiysk.
Some submarines have metal screens, like a barbecue grill, placed around their tops to block drone attacks.
These submarines are also half underwater, so only a small part sticks out.
That way, drones have less of a target to hit.
The pictures were taken from space and shared by the UK's Ministry of Defence.
An expert group called Defense Express studied them and explained what they saw.
New satellite imagery released by the UK Ministry of Defence shows three Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class submarines at Russia's Novorossiysk naval base.
Two submarines are fitted with anti-drone 'grills' or 'barbecues' around their upper sections and are partially submerged to protect against Ukrainian drone attacks.
The submarines are capable of launching 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles, which Russia has used to strike targets in Ukraine.
A third Varshavyanka-class submarine appears to lack an anti-drone structure, possibly preparing to leave port or damaged by a Ukrainian underwater drone, per Defense Express.
Defense Express says the imagery shows Russia combining two protective measures previously observed separately, reflecting adaptation of Black Sea Fleet defences.
Russian submarines have reportedly been kept partially submerged at Novorossiysk since 2024.
- Who
- Russia's Black Sea Fleet and its Kalibr-capable submarines; Ukrainian drones; analysts at Ukraine's Defense Express; the UK Ministry of Defence.
- What
- Russia is protecting Kalibr-capable Varshavyanka-class submarines at Novorossiysk using partial submersion and anti-drone 'grill' structures.
- When
- Satellite imagery dated June 13; partial submersion reportedly practiced since 2024.
- Where
- Novorossiysk naval base and Novorossiysk Bay, Russia.
- Why
- To reduce the submarines' exposure and vulnerability to Ukrainian aerial and underwater drone attacks while they remain stationed at port.
- Submarine class
- Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarines
- Number of submarines visible
- Three
- Protective measures
- Anti-drone 'grills' and partial submersion
- Missile capability
- 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles
- Imagery source
- UK Ministry of Defence
- Analysis
- Defense Express, cited by The Times of India
- Imagery date
- June 13
- Location
- Novorossiysk Bay, Russia