Local outlets report growing demand among private companies for anti-drone defense systems.
On Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia would respond in kind if Western countries seize its merchant ships.
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“We see that the authorities of some countries, in violation of international maritime law, are trying to restrict the movement of our economic operators’ vessels, peaceful vessels, I want to emphasize,” he said during the final stage of the Pacific Fleet’s exercises.
His remarks come against the backdrop of recent interceptions and inspections of “shadow fleet” ships by European naval forces, including Italian-led European Union (EU) operations in the Mediterranean.
At the end of July, the EU also adopted a port access ban on 41 more vessels and introduced mandatory notification requirements for the sale of liquefied natural gas tankers to Russia.
Putin has also voiced his concern over increasing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region due to “unprovoked” sanctions against Russia introduced by Japan.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing changes in positions, and I would like to emphasize that these changes were not provoked by anything on our part,” the Russian leader said.
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Russian Demand for Anti-Drone Equipment Increases
On Wednesday, the Vedomosti newspaper reported that demand for anti-aircraft drone defense systems from private Russian companies is increasing significantly.
Demand for equipment to defend against unmanned aerial vehicles reached US$5.32 million in the first half of this year, representing a 6.6-fold increase compared with the first half of 2025.
Private companies are seeking to protect their facilities from Ukrainian attacks with equipment such as barriers and protective nets; communications, detection, and electronic warfare systems; and nonexplosive interceptor drones.
In May, Putin ordered public institutions to help private companies develop their protection against drones. Authorities also allowed companies to acquire large-caliber weapons such as anti-aircraft artillery, turrets, radar systems and special vehicles.
At the end of July, authorities in Krasnodar, a southern region bordering the Black Sea and one of the areas most affected by Ukrainian attacks, announced that they would organize anti-aircraft defenses against drones with employees of local companies.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian drone attacks have focused on energy companies and the e-commerce company Wildberries, Russia’s Amazon, where such defense equipment can precisely be purchased.
teleSUR/ JF
Sources: Xinhua – EFE
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