March 27, 2024

An Air Self Defense


An Air Self Defense
An artist's impression of Shahed 136 drones swarming an airport. Khamenei.ir, Wikimedia Commons

Russian companies are constructing their own air defense systems amid increasing drone threats. Nearly 300 tenders for the acquisition of counter-UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) have been identified, according to independent investigative outlet Vazhniye Istori. Buyers include Rosneft, Lukoil, Bashneft, Slavneft, Transneft, and Rosseti.

To safeguard their enterprises, the state-owned Rosneft, the largest Russian oil company, intends to deploy portable anti-UAV systems, anti-drone guns, stationary systems for electronic detection and suppression of drones, as well as protective structures such as nets stretched between masts to detain and immobilize UAVs. Energy company Rosseti also employs grids, concrete blocks, and electronic detection systems at its substations.

Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory and annexed Crimea commenced in mid-June 2022, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. By the end of August 2023, regional authorities reported 511 drone attacks. The frequency of attacks surged in March 2024, with almost 40–50 drones targeting Russia nightly. Many of these attacks target energy facilities. By February 8, 2024, at least six major Russian oil refineries had been targeted.

Measures adopted by Russian companies might prove inadequate against drones. Experts interviewed by Vazhniye Istori journalists suggest that domestically-made Ukrainian drones are behind the attacks. These UAVs are similar to the Iranian Shahed, which Russia actively employs. These experts argue that neither nets nor anti-drone guns, designed to disrupt communication with operators, are effective against such drones.

For instance, Syzran Oil Refinery adopted nets and a portable drone suppression complex in early 2023. Despite these efforts, the refinery fell victim to a successful drone attack on March 16, 2024.

You Might Also Like

Nationalize It
  • March 14, 2024

Nationalize It

Over the past two years, 180 private companies have been taken over by the Russian state.
Two Years
  • February 22, 2024

Two Years

Putin has gotten nothing he wanted from his War on Ukraine.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Jews in Service to the Tsar
October 09, 2011

Jews in Service to the Tsar

Benjamin Disraeli advised, “Read no history: nothing but biography, for that is life without theory.” With Jews in Service to the Tsar, Lev Berdnikov offers us 28 biographies spanning five centuries of Russian Jewish history, and each portrait opens a new window onto the history of Eastern Europe’s Jews, illuminating dark corners and challenging widely-held conceptions about the role of Jews in Russian history.

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955