Russian Black Sea Fleet Adds Drone‑Defence Cages to Submarines

British intelligence released satellite images showing that three of the four Kilo‑class submarines of Russia's Black Sea Fleet have been fitted with protective cages over their command towers to shield against Ukrainian drones. The measure, taken in June 2026, was described as a preventive response to the growing capability of Ukrainian drone strikes beyond the front line.

In parallel, Russian drone attacks in the Black Sea have struck German commercial assets. German companies Liqui Moly and Puma suffered damage to warehouses in Ukraine, and a German‑flagged cargo ship, the Emil, owned by a Hamburg firm, was hit about 40 km from Odessa, losing maneuverability, catching fire and requiring crew evacuation. The vessel was struck again during evacuation. Another cargo ship, the Mera Quin under the Guinea‑Bissau flag, was also hit, resulting in one crew fatality. Russia's Ministry of Defence confirmed attacks on two cargo ships, alleging they were transporting military equipment for Ukraine.