Russia Invades Ukraine
Smoke And Barriers: The Massive Anti-Drone Defenses Of The Crimea Bridge
Since 2023, Moscow has built up an extensive range of fortifications around the Crimea Bridge linking the occupied Ukrainian Peninsula with mainland Russia. Russian authorities have also reportedly mulled replacing the span with an undersea tunnel.
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This archival photo, taken from a viewpoint above the city of Kerch, shows the Crimea Bridge (aka the Kerch Bridge) as it appeared in December 2019.
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Today the bridge, viewed as a major war target for Kyiv, is flanked by multiple barriers against marine drones. The bridge is also equipped with devices apparently intended to hamper aerial threats.
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The bride's anti-drone measures were captured in satellite photos on June 22 amid a Ukrainian drone strike on nearby facilities in Crimea.
This satellite image shows smoke screens being deployed at several points on the bridge that day, as well as a chain of barges (center) in front of the bridge’s navigation span.
This satellite image shows smoke screens being deployed at several points on the bridge that day, as well as a chain of barges (center) in front of the bridge’s navigation span.
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The barges appear to be intended to funnel vessels approaching from the Black Sea into a narrow passageway that can be monitored by naval patrol boats.
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This September 2024 image shows work underway to place barriers in the waters on either side of the bridge.
Work on the fortifications began after a July 2023 attack on the bridge with marine drones, which killed a couple travelling with their daughter and damaged the bridge.
Work on the fortifications began after a July 2023 attack on the bridge with marine drones, which killed a couple travelling with their daughter and damaged the bridge.
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A June 22 satellite image showing smoke screens activated around the central span of the bridge amid Ukrainian drone attacks on nearby facilities.
Ukraine has targeted the bridge several times since October 2022, including with underwater explosives.
Ukraine has targeted the bridge several times since October 2022, including with underwater explosives.
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Smokescreens in operation on June 22 where the Crimea Bridge meets Tuzla Island.
The smoke, which may be intended to baffle the targeting systems of modern missiles, was first seen used on the bridge in August 2023.
The smoke, which may be intended to baffle the targeting systems of modern missiles, was first seen used on the bridge in August 2023.
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In this recent satellite image of a barge approaching the Crimea Bridge, multiple barriers can be seen, including floating booms that can be pulled across the bridge's navigation channel.
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This October 2022 photo shows the bridge as it appeared before the anti-drone barriers were installed.
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A person looks toward the Crimea Bridge, where anti-drone barriers are visible, in January 2026.
In late 2023, Russia was reportedly in talks with a Chinese construction firm to build an undersea tunnel across the Kerch Strait that would be out of reach of drones and missiles.
In late 2023, Russia was reportedly in talks with a Chinese construction firm to build an undersea tunnel across the Kerch Strait that would be out of reach of drones and missiles.