Russia Rushes To Complete Huge New Defenses Of Kerch Bridge

Russia continues to bulk up its defenses of the vital Crimean bridge in Kerch. The bridge has been attacked twice already, and is undoubtedly high on Ukraine’s target list. With such importance, it appears unlikely that these new defenses will be sufficient.

Russia is rushing to reinforce the already extensive physical defenses of the Crimean Bridge in Kerch. An outer layer, consisting of barges moored end-end, now extends in front of the main bridge. This is in addition to an inner layer of nets and floating booms.

Analysis of satellite imagery and video footage taken from the bridge, reveals fresh details of these defenses.

Additionally, it appears that some barges are positioned to be towed forward to fully block the channel under the bridge if needed. Russia previously parked ships across the shipping lane to block the Ukrainian Navy in November 2018. This new barrier is further from the bridge and intended to also block access to the supporting piers which may be a target for attack.

Ukraine’s Uncrewed Surface Vessel Threat

Russia has been building up defenses to the bridge since the beginning of the 2022 invasion. Anti-aircraft systems, smoke generators, radar reflecting barges, booms and warships have all been deployed. However some of these defenses proved inadequate. In March 2024 the patrol ship ‘Sergey Kotov‘ was sunk by Ukrainian USVs while it was protecting the southern approaches to the bridge.

Ukraine has already struck the bridge twice, both times enjoying a degree of success. On October 8 2022 a bomb hidden in a truck detonated south of the main bridge span. The explosion dropped several sections of the road bridge and damaged the rail bridge. This took several months to repair and led to restrictions on the cargoes which can be transported across the bridge. On July 17 2023 Ukraine hit the bridge again, this time using a ‘Sea Baby’ USV (uncrewed surface vessel). The explosion lifted and then dropped a section of the road bridge.

It is clear from these defenses that Russia takes the threat of Ukrainian USVs seriously. Ukraine’s Navy, GUR (Defence Intelligence of Ukraine) and SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) all have USVs which could be used. These can carry a large warhead which could lift and then drop a section of the bridge. Or they could target the bridge supports.

Why The Crimean Bridge Matters To Russia

The rail and road bridge is is a critical supply artery for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The rail line in particularly is vital for the movements of supplies. And the bridge, constructed in 2016 following the annexation of Crimea, is an important political symbol for the Kremlin. Naturally it is a key target for Ukraine.

Russia has tried to minimize the high-risk cargoes crossing the bridge so that any attack won’t be amplified by cargo being hit. In particular this means fuel and ammunition. Instead, Russia has attempted to use Navy ships and ferries to transport these to Crimea. However, successful Ukrainian attacks on landing ships used for this, and on the rail ferries, has meant that these high-risk cargoes may again travel across the bridge.

Piers are also being constructed either side of the smaller bridge section south of the main bridge span. It is unclear whether these will form alternative roadways or part of the defensive barriers.

The bridge remains a critical target for Ukraine. Whether these defenses will deter, or protect the bridge from USV attacks remains to be seen.