Russian Navy Deploys Garden Mesh for Drone Defense on Warship
Russia's military has implemented garden mesh on the landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin to counter drone threats, although it only provides minimal protection against light drones. This approach highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Russian Navy amid increased drone warfare from Ukraine.

The Russian Navy has placed a thin green mesh net over the landing ship Aleksandr Shabalin, intended to offer some defense against drone threats, specifically light FPV drones. However, military analysts note that this netting is inadequate against heavier Ukrainian strike systems like the FP-2 drone, which poses a significant threat to naval vessels.
The Aleksandr Shabalin, a Ropucha-class ship, has been repurposed to escort cargo vessels, reflecting a shortage of dedicated escort ships in the Russian fleet. Since early 2026, Russia has increased naval escorts for civilian shipping in the Baltic due to intensified inspections by NATO forces.
The use of mesh netting signifies a recognition of the evolving threat environment, although its effectiveness remains limited against more advanced drone technologies. Russia has pursued additional counter-drone measures, yet these solutions are still under development and not universally deployed, leaving many vessels vulnerable.




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