Russia installed anti-drone cages on submarines in Novorossiysk due to Ukrainian long-range strikes

Russia has equipped several Black Sea Fleet submarines at Novorossiysk with special anti-drone protective structures, known as 'cages' or 'cellular armor,' in response to Ukraine's growing ability to conduct long-range strikes against naval targets. British intelligence analysis of satellite images from June 6-9 revealed these defensive structures above the conning towers of three Kilo-class submarines, with similar equipment planned for a fourth submarine. This defensive measure represents an adaptation of cellular armor technology, traditionally used to protect tanks and armored vehicles from drones and ammunition fragments, to submarine protection. The installation is described as a preemptive measure against increasingly effective Ukrainian drone attacks, which have forced Russia to transfer significant naval assets from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk as the main Black Sea Fleet base.