French Fishing Nets Serve as Defense Against Russian Drones in Ukraine
French fishing nets, originally designed for deep-sea fishing, have emerged as an unexpected defense tool in Ukraine, aimed at countering Russian drones that pose threats to civilians and Ukrainian military positions.
The British charity Kernic Solidarités, based in Brittany, France, has sent two shipments of nets totaling 280 kilometers to Ukraine to safeguard soldiers and civilians in areas experiencing intense conflict, according to the Guardian.
This initiative comes as Russia increasingly deploys small, cost-effective drones equipped with explosives, which can be remotely controlled from distances of up to 25 kilometers.
The French nets are utilized to create "net tunnels," which entangle the drone rotors, thereby reducing their effectiveness and mitigating the threat.
Christian Abazio, the logistics officer for the organization, noted that the nets, made from horsehair, were originally intended for catching monkfish in deep waters, adding that they deliver a force comparable to that of the drones.
He mentioned that medical personnel initially used them to protect medical supplies near the front lines, but they are now deployed at roads, bridges, and hospital entrances. He remarked, "It is remarkable that something so simple can be so effective."
Irina Rybakova, the communications officer for the Ukrainian 93 Division, stated that net-like tunnels are being installed throughout the Donetsk region, emphasizing that while the nets are not a "miracle solution," they are a crucial component of drone defense. She added that drone operators are continually finding ways to bypass these net barriers, necessitating ongoing updates.
In a show of solidarity, fishermen from Sweden and Denmark have donated hundreds of tons of old nets to support both the military and civilians.
Statistics indicate that Ukraine is expected to contend with over 500 drones per day by July 2025, underscoring the importance of innovative solutions like net systems.
