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Flag Russia Two Russian Navy KILO Class submarines have been photographed in Kronstadt, the naval base in St Petersburg. The photo reveals details of their anti-drone (aerial drones – UAVs and surface drones – USVs) defences.

The two boats have been identified as the Pr. 06363 Improved KILO class submarine Mozhaisk (B-608) and the older Pr. 877EKM KILO class submarine Dmitrov (B-806).

The observed defences consist of a pedestal mounted heavy machine gun (possibly an NSV 12.7mm) on the aft casing behind the fin (sail), and a searchlight on navigation bridge. A second submarine behind has an anti-drone cage. There appears to be a second (unoccupied) pintle mount for a machinegun next to the searchlight on the nearest boat. This pintle appears to be occupied, possibly by a machinegun, in the second boat.

The submarines’ command likely feels that they are, even in the Baltic, vulnerable to Ukrainian drones. It is questionable how effective these defences would be.

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