MilitaryTechnology News & Analysis

Russia Uses Nets and Rubber Tires as Makeshift Drone Armor

Russia's maritime shadow fleet is using nets and rubber tires to create improvised armor for its drones. This approach aims to protect drones from damage during operations. The materials serve as a physical barrier against enemy fire and environmental hazards, allowing drones to sustain missions longer. The shadow fleet's adaptation reflects a resourceful response to the limited availability of conventional drone armor. By repurposing common materials, Russia seeks to enhance drone survivability without access to advanced protective equipment. This tactic underscores the challenges faced in maintaining drone effectiveness in contested environments. For investors focused on defense-related industries or geopolitical risk, these makeshift measures indicate ongoing operational pressures and constraints on Russian military technology supplies. This inventive use of simple materials may influence assessments of Russia's military capability and supply chain robustness.