French Fishing Nets Transform into Shields Against Drones in Ukraine

Along the picturesque fishing ports of Brittany, France, an unusual yet vital transformation is taking place. Discarded fishing nets, typically used for deep-sea trawling, are finding a new purpose in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With an average lifespan of just 12 to 24 months, these netting materials, once employed to catch monkfish, have become a crucial resource in the fight against Russian drones.

coin Every year, approximately 800 tonnes of fishing nets are thrown away, contributing to a significant waste problem. However, the Breton charity Kernic Solidarités has stepped in to repurpose this discarded material. So far, they have successfully sent two shipments totaling 280 kilometers of horsehair netting to Ukraine, aimed at safeguarding both soldiers and civilians in areas where combat is most intense.

Russian forces have increasingly relied on small, inexpensive drones outfitted with explosives, which can be remotely piloted for distances up to 25 kilometers. These drones pose a severe threat to Ukrainian troops and infrastructure, necessitating innovative defensive measures. The fishing nets are ingeniously utilized to create entanglement tunnels, effectively trapping the drones much like a spider ensnares its prey in a web.

“Over the last two years the war has mutated. Before we didn’t even think about drones, but now it’s a drone war,” remarked Christian Abaziou, 70, who manages logistics for Kernic Solidarités. He emphasized the importance of the specific type of netting being sent: “The nets we are sending are made of horse hair and used for deep-sea fishing to catch monkfish, which are quite powerful and hit the nets with a strength similar to that of a drone.”

Initially, these nets were utilized by medical teams to protect field hospitals near the front lines. However, their role has expanded significantly. They are now deployed on roads, bridges, and the entrances of hospitals, demonstrating a remarkable effectiveness in combatting the aerial threat. “It’s astonishing that something so simple works so well,” Abaziou added.

Gérard Le Duff, president of Kernic Solidarités and a descendant of a Breton fisherman, shared how the local response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The Ukrainian ambassador came to Brittany and thanked us for what we are doing. We don’t have a lack of fishing nets in this region. The challenge lies in finding a purpose for them, especially since several recycling companies have closed.” He expressed a willingness to continue providing nets to assist in creating anti-drone defenses in Ukraine.

Kernic Solidarités was founded in response to requests from local Ukrainian communities for assistance with essential supplies like clothing, food, and medical aid. The charity’s dedicated team of 20 volunteers has made significant contributions, driving lorry consignments over 2,300 kilometers to Ukraine’s border with Poland. Le Duff noted, “When we learned that Ukraine needed nets, the fishing community reacted rapidly.”

The drones used by Russia are equipped with first-person view technology similar to commercial drones, allowing them to be piloted remotely and directed towards specific targets through real-time video feeds. Ukrainian forces report that movement in certain areas is perilous, often drawing the attention of swarms of kamikaze drones. In response, the fishing nets are ingeniously arranged between poles to create protective tunnels or to shield trenches and vehicles. Moreover, Ukrainian drones are also fitted with netting to drop onto enemy drones, further enhancing their defensive capabilities.

The innovative use of old fishing nets from France highlights a remarkable intersection of local resources and urgent wartime needs. As Ukraine continues to grapple with the complexities of modern warfare, the repurposing of these nets not only addresses a waste management issue but also serves as a testament to international solidarity in the face of adversity.

The transformation of discarded fishing nets into a critical defense mechanism against drones in Ukraine demonstrates the power of creativity and community support. With ongoing challenges in modern warfare, such grassroots efforts not only provide immediate relief but also inspire hope in the resilience of affected communities. As the situation evolves, the collaboration between France and Ukraine serves as a poignant reminder of how even the simplest solutions can have a significant impact on the battlefield.