Used Deep-Sea Nets from France Become Crucial Protection Against Enemy Drones in Ukraine
On the harbor docks of the Breton shoreline, piles of discarded fishing nets stand as a common sight.
The lifespan of marine harvesting nets generally extends between 12-24 months, after which they become damaged and unusable.
Presently, this horsehair netting, once used to trawl ocean species from the marine bottom, is serving alternative functions for another type of catch: enemy unmanned aircraft.
Humanitarian Effort Converts Marine Waste
A French humanitarian organization has sent two deliveries of nets totaling 174 miles to the war-torn nation to safeguard military personnel and citizens along the battle areas where fighting is fiercest.
Russian forces use small, cheap drones armed with detonation devices, controlling them by distance operation for distances of up to 25km.
"Over the last two years, the war has evolved. Before we didn't even think about drones, but now it's a drone war," explained a humanitarian organizer.
Tactical Application of Fishing Nets
Ukrainian forces use the nets to establish tunnels where drone propellers become ensnared. This technique has been likened to web-building predators trapping prey in a web.
"The Ukrainians have told us they require specific generic mesh material. They received multiple that are ineffective," the coordinator explained.
"Our specific shipments are made of specialized material and used for marine harvesting to catch powerful sea creatures which are quite powerful and hit the nets with a force similar to that of a drone."
Growing Uses
Originally employed by doctors protecting medical camps near the frontline, the nets are now employed on roads, bridges, the healthcare center gateways.
"It's astonishing that something so simple functions so efficiently," observed the charity president.
"We don't have lack of fishing nets in this region. It's a problem to know where to send them as various companies that repurpose the gear have closed."
Operational Challenges
The charitable organization was established after expatriate citizens sought help from the organizers requesting support for essential provisions and healthcare materials for their homeland.
A team of helpers have delivered two vehicle loads of humanitarian assistance 2,300 kilometers to the border crossing point.
"When we learned that Ukraine required mesh material, the coastal residents acted promptly," commented the organization leader.
Aerial Combat Development
The enemy utilizes first-person view drones similar to those on the consumer sector that can be guided by distance operation and are then packed with explosives.
Enemy operators with live camera streams direct them to their objectives. In certain regions, military personnel report that nothing can move without attracting the attention of clusters of "lethal" kamikaze drones.
Protective Methods
The marine mesh are stretched between poles to establish mesh corridors or used to conceal fortifications and transport.
Defense unmanned aircraft are also outfitted with fragments of material to drop on opposition vehicles.
During summer months, Ukraine was confronting more than 500 drones daily.
Global Support
Hundreds of tonnes of old nets have also been donated by marine workers in Sweden and Denmark.
A previous fishing organization leader declared that coastal workers are extremely pleased to help the war effort.
"They are proud to know their discarded equipment is going to contribute to safety," he stated publicly.
Financial Constraints
The charity currently lacks the financial resources to send more supplies this year and discussions were underway for Ukraine to provide transport to pick up the nets.
"We shall assist get the nets and load them but we are without the financial capacity to continue managing shipments ourselves," commented the charity spokesperson.
Real-World Limitations
An armed services communicator explained that protective mesh corridors were being installed across the conflict area, about the majority of which is now described as occupied and controlled by opposition military.
She added that opposition vehicle controllers were progressively discovering ways to penetrate the mesh.
"Mesh does not represent a universal remedy. They are just one element of defense from drones," she emphasized.
An ex-agricultural business owner expressed that the individuals he encountered were touched by the help from maritime regions.
"The reality that those in the coastal economy the other side of Europe are dispatching gear to help them defend themselves has created moving moments to their eyes," he remarked.