Russia ramps up defences on Crimean Bridge amid drone threat
The Russians are fearful of an attack by Ukrainian marine drones on the Kerch Bridge. According to the Ukrainian Military Service, additional barriers, consisting of interconnected barges, have begun appearing nearby, as shown in satellite images. So far, seven installations, each approximately 90-100 meters long, have been observed.
The "Crimean Wind" group, monitoring the situation in Crimea, published satellite images on Telegram showing the fortifications the Russians are building around the Kerch Bridge (also known as the Crimean Bridge). They explained that the Russians had installed small barges instead of using barrels filled with foam and connected by cables. These barges are intended to protect the bridge from Ukrainian surface and underwater drones, which can carry powerful warheads.
The Russians are trying to protect the Crimean Bridge
The Crimean Bridge, which connects the Russian Federation with Crimea, has long been a primary target for attacks by the Ukrainian army. Several attempts have been made to destroy it. One such effort took place in July 2023, reportedly using armed drones. The Russians are aware that these were not the last attacks on the Crimean Bridge and are taking measures to prevent future incidents.
Recent reports of improvements made to the marine drones used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine may heighten these concerns. For instance, SeaBaby drones have been enhanced. According to the Ukrainian news agency UNIAN, these drones now have Grad rocket launchers. The devices have reportedly already been used during attacks on Russian targets. However, opinions on the effectiveness of this solution are divided, with doubts being raised about the ability to launch unguided rockets from such an unstable platform.
Ukrainians eagerly utilize SeaBaby drones. In their basic version, they resemble a motorboat in shape and size. Ukrainians claim that these multifunctional devices are capable of carrying up to 860 kilograms of explosives. SeaBaby drones are powered by jet propellers and equipped with various technologies, including sets of day and thermal cameras and a laser rangefinder for measuring distances.
In March 2024, the Security Service of Ukraine reported that a new version of SeaBaby drones, Avidiivka, was being developed. According to their announcements, these drones will be even more dangerous and challenging to detect and capable of delivering nearly a ton of explosives over a distance of up to 1,000 kilometres.
