Preparing for Countering BPLs and BECs in Novorossiysk on the 7th of August
In the evening of August 7, significant naval exercises are set to take place in the port's waters of Novorossiysk, Russia, extending well into the night. The exercises, led by the on-duty forces of the Novorossiysk Naval Base, will involve artillery fire and focus on practicing practical actions to repel attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones.
These exercises are part of a larger strategy to bolster Russia's defenses against drone attacks, a threat demonstrated by recent incidents involving Ukrainian forces. The exercises are reminiscent of the "July Storm" drills, the largest Russian naval war games in years, which included anti-drone defense readiness.
The drills will incorporate training for repelling attacks by UAVs, surface drones, and enemy aircraft. Simulated scenarios of maritime and land-based strikes, including repelling attacks by unmanned boats and aerial drones, will be conducted. Enhanced combat patrol aircraft and integrated coastal missile systems will be deployed to identify and neutralize drone threats before they can reach critical naval or shore targets.
In the specific context of Novorossiysk, which has been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks in the past, safety protocols emphasize improved anti-drone defenses at naval bases and ports, as well as training naval crews and shore installations in anti-sabotage and anti-drone patrols.
Given the high risk of drone attacks, the Russian Navy’s exercises will coordinate multi-layered defenses, combining electronic warfare, physical interception, and missile systems to neutralize drone threats. Continuous readiness drills will be conducted to respond swiftly to rapid, unconventional attack methods such as drone swarms or drone strikes armed with surface-to-air missile launchers.
Residents and visitors in the area have been warned about the scheduled exercises. During this time, it is prohibited to film UAVs and the work of the air defense system. The exit of all small vessels and watercraft, including unregistered ones, is also prohibited. This includes pleasure boats, sports sailing boats, inflatable watercraft, jet skis, windsurfing boards, and stand-up paddleboards. Additionally, any underwater activities, including diving, are prohibited during the exercises.
The exercises are scheduled to take place off the coast of the Hero City of Kuban. Artillery fire from the piers of the military harbor is part of the exercises. The Novorossiysk administration urges everyone to follow these safety measures to ensure a peaceful and secure event.
[References] [1] Kuban News (2025). What to do in case of a drone attack. Retrieved from http://www.kuban-news.ru/drone-attack/ [2] TASS News Agency (2025). Russian Navy to practice combating drone attacks during drills. Retrieved from http://tass.com/defense/1156998 [3] Interfax News Agency (2025). Russian Navy to practice countering drone attacks during exercises. Retrieved from http://www.interfax.ru/russia/698137 [4] Novorossiysk Administration (2025). Warning issued for scheduled naval exercises. Retrieved from http://www.novorossiysk.ru/news/exercise-warning/ [5] Sputnik News (2025). Russian Navy to practice countering drone attacks during exercises. Retrieved from http://sputniknews.com/military/202508011033537498-russian-navy-to-practice-countering-drone-attacks-during-exercises/
The naval exercises in Novorossiysk, Russia, are part of a larger political strategy to enhance Russia's defense against drone attacks, a threat evident in recent war-and-conflicts involving Ukraine. These exercises, as indicated by the Sputnik News, involve training for repelling attacks by UAVs, surface drones, and enemy aircraft.
In light of the scheduled exercises, general-news sources such as Kuban News advise residents and visitors in the area to avoid filming UAVs and the work of the air defense system, and to abstain from various water activities off the coast of Kuban. This effort highlights the importance of maintaining safety and security during such military drills.
