Ships adopt makeshift anti-drone defences as Black Sea attacks intensify
Ships use makeshift defences to counter Black Sea attacks, including water tanks and tyres.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)
Ships in the Black Sea are using makeshift defences like water tanks and tyres to protect against increasing drone attacks.
Ships are using things like water tanks and tyres to protect themselves from flying things that try to hurt them in the Black Sea. It's like putting a shield on your ship to keep it safe from bad guys.
Analysis
Drone Attacks on Black Sea Shipping Routes
The scale of attacks from Russia and Ukraine on commercial ships and port infrastructure has increased sharply, according to Dryad Global's Corey Ranslem. The Caruzo, a Sierra Leone-flagged crude oil tanker, transited the strait on August 11 with water tanks dangling around its stern, apparently in an effort to cushion any attack and prevent damage to the engine room. Other measures include the use of 'cope cages' - netting to protect the ship's superstructure from explosive drones.
Protection Measures
Dryad Global's Corey Ranslem mentions two popular countermeasures that have been seen onboard vessels in Black Sea operations: water-filled containers and nets. These methods are known as 'cope cages'.
Expert Opinions
Other maritime specialists questioned whether such measures could stop rapid remote-controlled naval drones or airborne attack craft with large explosive payloads from causing damage. The scale of attacks from Russia and Ukraine on commercial ships and port infrastructure has increased sharply and may rise further, according to Corey Ranslem.
Political Context
Turkey, whose own commercial ships have been repeatedly targeted by drones in the Black Sea, summoned Ukraine's ambassador to Ankara over the weekend after attacks on two vessels near the Russian port of Tuapse. There was no comment from Ukraine. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said the Black Sea attacks had renewed global grain shortages, particularly in Africa, and called for an urgent solution. On Monday, his foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, said Ankara has prepared a plan to restore the safe passage of grain via the Black Sea and is discussing it with both Russia and Ukraine.
Key points
- Ships are using makeshift defences like water tanks and tyres to protect against drone attacks in the Black Sea.
- The scale of attacks from Russia and Ukraine has increased sharply.
- Turkey has summoned Ukraine's ambassador over attacks on its ships.
- There is a plan to restore safe passage of grain via the Black Sea, but Russia has not agreed to it.
- The situation in the Black Sea is volatile and requires broader moves towards peace.
If the situation improves, ships might be able to travel safely through the Black Sea without needing to use these makeshift defences.
If the attacks continue, ships might need to keep using these defences to stay safe, which could make things more difficult for shipping.
