Russian forces have begun equipping Project 21980 “Grachonok” anti-sabotage patrol boats with special protective nets designed to defend against Ukrainian naval drones. Photos of the modified vessels have been published by Ukrainian defense adviser Serhii Sternenko.
Nine killed after drone strike: Ukrainian naval attack forces Russia to urgently upgrade defenses
The decision to add extra protection came after a Russian “Grachonok” patrol boat was struck by a Ukrainian naval drone on the night of 30 April. According to available reports, nine crew members were killed, and two others were wounded.
Russia strengthens protection around Crimean Bridge
Project 21980 boats are responsible for securing the waters around the illegally constructed bridge linking occupied Crimea with Russian territory.
Russian forces are now attempting to physically shield the vessels from attacks by Ukrainian unmanned naval platforms.
“Grachonok” boats armed with grenade launchers
The boats are equipped with Kalmar hydroacoustic systems, Anapa detection stations, machine-gun mounts, grenade launcher systems, and Igla and Verba portable anti-aircraft missile systems.
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet operates nine such boats, while another four are used by the FSB Border Service.
Fear of SkyFall Vampire
The so-called “cope cage” clearly provides protection only from the top. The only threat it could realistically defend against is aerial munitions dropped by multicopter drones, says Ivan Kyrychevskyi in his analysis for Defense Express.
"Given that its installation was unlikely to have been unauthorized, the Russian Navy command structure must have formally justified its deployment," the expert believes.
In other words, Russian forces genuinely appear concerned about a scenario in which their patrol boats could be targeted by heavy multirotor strike drones similar to the SkyFall Vampire.
Earlier, Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, advisor to Ukraine’s Defense Minister, said Russia planned a major campaign in 2026 involving the use of naval drones. But these plans collapsed after SpaceX, at Kyiv’s request, blocked Russian access to Starlink satellite communications.
