The Russian Navy has installed protective nets over Borei-class ballistic missile submarines to guard against Ukrainian drone attacks, as satellite images show, reported Bangalore's MarineInsight.

The submarines are stationed at Rybachiy, a Pacific Fleet base on the Kamchatka Peninsula, located 7,400 km east of Ukraine. Borei-class vessels carry 16 Bulava ballistic missiles and conduct long-duration deterrence patrols in the Pacific Ocean.

The nets resemble cage armor used on battle tanks in Ukraine, designed to block slow-moving First Person View quadcopter drones armed with warheads similar to rocket-propelled grenades. Similar metallic nets have been seen on Russian submarines in the Black Sea, Baltic, and Barents Seas, as well as on surface vessels.

The protection lies above the submarine's sail, shielding hatches leading into the control room. This measure is intended to prevent surprise drone strikes launched near bases, such as the Security Service of Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb in June 2025, which hit over 40 military aircraft at four Russian air bases.

Analysts say navies worldwide are adopting unmanned systems to counter evolving threats. Drone protection meshes are expected to become standard equipment as naval warfare adapts to rising geopolitical tensions and the spread of low-cost attack drones.