Commercial satellite imagery analyzed by naval news site Naval News on 13/5 shows two Russian Borei-class nuclear submarines moored at a pier at Rybachiy base, covered entirely by stretched nets. One vessel appears to be an original Project 955, while the other is an upgraded Project 955A model.

H. I. Sutton, a military and submarine warfare expert, noted that Rybachy base on the Kamchatka peninsula is approximately 7,400 km from the Russia-Ukraine border, placing it entirely outside the operational range of any unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) involved in the conflict. "However, commanders at the base have taken serious precautions against the risk of unexpected UAV attacks," he remarked.

Russian nuclear submarine at Rybachiy base in an image released on 13/5. *Naval News*.

These defensive measures appear to have been implemented after the Security Service of Ukraine conducted a large-scale drone attack campaign against strategic Russian airbases in 6/2025. The furthest location attacked was Belaya airfield in Irkutsk province, approximately 4,300 km from the border.

According to H. I. Sutton, this marks the first instance of Russia using nets to fully cover a submarine's hull in port. He noted that while the material does not conceal warships or hinder satellite photography, "these nets help protect warships from small drone attacks. However, they also pose a risk of trapping the crew in the event of an emergency."

The Russian navy has previously implemented several measures to protect warships from drones. Images released on 11/5 show two Russian Project 21980 patrol boats of the Black Sea Fleet fitted with protective roofs over their bow, superstructure, and stern.

A video released by Rossiya-24 channel in 3/2024 showed the K-114 Tula ballistic missile nuclear submarine fitted with a roof-like structure while moored at Gadzhievo naval base, Murmansk province, apparently to prevent drones from dropping grenades into the conning tower hatch.

K-114 Tula and K-157 Vepr submarines at Gadzhievo, Murmansk province, in a video released in 3/2024. *Rossiya-24*.

The strategic nuclear submarines of Project 955 Borei and 955A Borei-A displace over 14,000 tons surfaced and 24,000 tons submerged. They are 170 m long, have a maximum speed of 54 km/h, and have been tested at a depth of 400 m.

Each submarine carries 16 RSM-56 Bulava ballistic missiles, each with a 10,000 km range and equipped with 6 multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) nuclear warheads. The Project 955 variant has 8 x 533 mm torpedo tubes, while the 955A model has 6 launchers. Additionally, the submarines feature 6 special external launchers for RPK-2 anti-ship missiles, which can be equipped with nuclear warheads.

Rybachiy serves as a key nuclear submarine base for the Russian Pacific Fleet. Submarines stationed there typically conduct long-range deterrence patrols in the Pacific region.