Ukraine is launching a new initiative that encourages fishing companies to donate retired fishing nets for use in anti-drone defenses. In return, these companies will be exempt from disposal costs and will receive compensation based on the weight of the nets provided.
This year, Ukraine has intensified the installation of anti-drone nets along roads in frontline areas, responding to a surge in attacks by Russian drones targeting hospitals, infrastructure, and civilian transport.
The nets are regarded as an effective protective measure, as they can entangle drone propellers, preventing them from reaching their intended targets.
Senator Ivan Scalfarotto from the centrist party Italia Viva, who introduced the legislative proposal in mid-March, stated that fishing nets, which have been utilized in the Mediterranean for centuries, could serve as a practical tool against what he termed “weapons of death.” He emphasized that these nets could complement modern technological defenses for Ukraine.
“We could easily integrate fishing nets with technological solutions. They may seem simple, but they are effective,” he remarked.
Scalfarotto expressed hope that the initiative would gain support from other pro-Ukrainian factions within the Italian parliament to expedite its approval.
Additionally, Ukraine has begun constructing anti-drone nets over roads near the Russian border. The Ministry of Defense explained that these structures are primarily installed on routes that facilitate logistics and sustain the lives of communities near the front lines.
According to the ministry, as of February, anti-drone nets have been deployed over 125 kilometers of roads, with another 55 kilometers of structures being restored. The government has allocated 1.6 billion hryvnias for this initiative, with plans to establish an additional 4,000 kilometers of such protective measures.
Ukraine is enhancing its anti-drone capabilities by utilizing retired fishing nets, supported by Italian legislation. This initiative aims to bolster defenses against drone attacks while promoting cooperation between Ukrainian and Italian entities.