French Fishing Nets Repurposed to Shield Ukraine from Drone Attacks
A French fishing net originally designed for deep-sea use has emerged as an unconventional defensive measure in Ukraine, aimed at countering Russian drone attacks targeting both civilians and military forces.
The Kernic Solidarités charity, based in Brittany, France, has dispatched two shipments of nets totaling approximately 280 kilometers in length to Ukraine. These nets are being deployed to safeguard soldiers and civilians along the front lines amid ongoing hostilities, as reported by The Guardian.
This initiative comes as Russia increasingly employs small, cost-effective drones equipped with explosives, capable of being remotely operated from distances of up to 25 kilometers.
In contrast, the French nets are fashioned into "net tunnels" that can ensnare the propellers of these drones, thereby diminishing their operational effectiveness and reducing the associated risks.
Christian Abazio, the logistics officer for the foundation, noted that the horsehair nets were initially intended for monkfish fishing in deep waters, remarking that they "hit with a force comparable to that of the drone."
Initially, these nets were utilized to protect medical facilities near the front lines, but their application has expanded to include roads, bridges, and hospital entrances. Abazio emphasized, "It’s remarkable that something so simple proves effective."
Irina Ribakova, communications officer for the 93 Ukrainian Army Brigade, stated that anti-drone net tunnels are being installed across the Donetsk region. She cautioned that while the nets provide some level of protection, they are not a "magic solution," as Russian drone operators are continuously adapting their tactics to circumvent these barriers.
In a demonstration of international solidarity, fishermen from Sweden and Denmark have contributed hundreds of tons of old nets to support both military and civilian efforts in Ukraine.
Statistics indicate that by July 2025, Ukraine was contending with over 500 drone incursions daily, underscoring the urgent need for innovative protective measures such as these nets.
