The russian Black Sea Fleet has equipped three of its four KILO class submarines with counter-UAS cages covering the vessels' conning towers. This was applied as a preventive measure in response to Ukraine's increased ability to strike targets further from the front line, according to the UK Defence Intelligence.
Analysis of commercial satellite imagery dated June 13, 2026, identified that three of the submarines had loosened their moorings and had submerged within the basin.
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Whilst the majority of the hull was below the surface, their conning towers remained above the waterline, explaining the need for the counter-UAS cage.
The fourth submarine, which had not been fitted with a counter-UAS cage, had slipped its mooring lines, manoeuvred away from nearby surface vessels and submerged within the harbour, its conning tower visible above the waterline.
The lack of a counter-UAS cage likely signifies this vessel has been deprioritized compared to the other three.
Read more: UK Defence Intelligence: russia's Black Sea Fleet Adds Anti-Drone Cages to KILO-Class Submarines
