The UK Ministry of Defence has published high-resolution commercial satellite imagery of the russian naval base in Novorossiysk, including the section of the facility where submarines are berthed.
The imagery clearly shows how russia is protecting its Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class diesel-electric submarines, which have been repeatedly used to launch 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles against Ukraine.
Read more: UK Defence Intelligence: Satellite Images Show russia Protecting KILO Submarines from Ukrainian Drones
All three submarines visible in the imagery are in a partially submerged position, with only their upper structures and sail above the water. Two of the Varshavyanka-class submarines, which are moored inside the inner harbor, are fitted with large anti-drone "grills" commonly referred to as "barbecues" or "grills" in military slang.
The installation of these structures on the Varshavyanka submarines was already known from an earlier UK Ministry of Defence report. The practice of keeping the submarines partially submerged is also not new. russian forces reportedly began using this method in 2024.
The new imagery shows that russia is combining the two protection measures.
With most of the submarine's hull below the waterline, the water itself provides a layer of protection against drones. A drone approaching the submarine would have to detonate above the water, potentially preventing the blast from reaching the submerged hull.
At the same time, keeping the submarine partially submerged presumably allows it to remain connected to shore-based utilities while giving the crew relatively easy access through the sail, which remains above the water.
The anti-drone "grill" provides additional protection for the sail, one of the submarine's more vulnerable areas. It contains retractable masts, hatches, and other sensitive components that are essential for the submarine's operation.
Interestingly, the third Varshavyanka, positioned farther from the pier, does not appear to have an anti-drone "grill" installed. This leaves room for several possible explanations.
One possibility is that the submarine was preparing to leave port, in which case the protective structure may have been removed before departure and the boat moved away from the pier.
Another, and perhaps more likely, possibility is that this is the same Varshavyanka that was damaged by a Sub Sea Baby underwater drone operated by Ukraine's Security Service. If so, the submarine could be awaiting disposal rather than returning to service.
In that case, russian forces may have moved the damaged submarine away from the pier and simply decided not to reinstall the anti-drone structure. After all, there would be little reason to spend additional resources protecting a submarine that may already be beyond economical repair.
Read more: Varshavyanka-Class Submarine Hit in Novorossiysk Has Been Identified: The Best of Three Possible Outcomes
