Russian oil refineries have initiated defensive measures against potential Ukrainian drone attacks by installing “cope cages.” The development follows similar protections observed on Russian military assets, including tanks and submarines.
FPV drones are a challenge on the frontlines
In addition to cope cages, Russians are experimenting with Chinese jammer mounted on the cope cage.
Fortunately for Ukraine, it does not work. The antenna tend to break. pic.twitter.com/w0oGore33X
— PS01 (@PStyle0ne1) January 14, 2024
An image released on April 27 shows these anti-drone structures at an oil depot, which speculation suggests belongs to the Slavyansk ECO Group, indicated by the company’s logo visible in the imagery. The cages consist of robust meshed metal designed to shield the facilities from aerial drone assaults.
Russia: Cope cages are being installed on the oil tanks at RosNeft facilities. pic.twitter.com/iCtmBqeep4
— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) April 27, 2024
The move to fortify oil refineries comes as tensions escalate and Ukraine intensifies its attacks on Russian energy facilities. These strikes are aimed at reducing Russia’s energy revenues and consequently its military funding capabilities. In response to these threats, the Slavyansk-on-Kuban oil refinery has partially suspended operations as confirmed on April 27 by Eduard Trudnev, the security director for the Slavyansk ECO Group.
Other Russian oil producers, like Bashneft, have also adopted similar defensive strategies, employing anti-drone nets to protect their installations. This reflects a growing trend on both sides of the conflict using physical barriers to counter increasingly frequent and sophisticated drone attacks.
A Ukrainian kamikaze drone operator avoids a Russian anti-drone net and hits a tank in occupied Bakhmut (Donetsk Oblast, eastern Ukraine).
🎥Escadrone via Telegram pic.twitter.com/Wtb6XgTFAM
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) September 27, 2023
In addition to these ground-based measures, Russia’s air defense units have been active, reportedly destroying a significant number of Ukrainian drones attempting to target facilities within the Krasnodar region and over Crimea.
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