Italian fishermen will help Ukraine in its fight against drones
The Italian Senate is considering an innovative aid plan for Ukraine that involves using discarded fishing nets as a means of passive defense against Russian drones.
This was reported by Reuters.
The initiative was proposed by Senator Ivan Scalfarotto of the Italia Viva party, who suggested exempting fishing companies from the costs of disposing of old equipment in exchange for transferring it to the Ukrainian side. Additionally, the draft law provides for monetary compensation to companies based on the weight of the material provided.
Fishing nets made of durable materials have proven effective in frontline areas of Ukraine, where they are installed over roads and infrastructure facilities. The principle of operation involves physically blocking the propellers of drones, preventing them from reaching their targets. Against the backdrop of regular Russian attacks on civilian transport and hospitals, this method of protection serves as an effective complement to modern electronic warfare systems. Senator Scalfarotto emphasized that traditional methods, which have been used for centuries in the Mediterranean, can serve as an effective countermeasure against modern “weapons of death.”
The initiative is expected to receive support from pro-Ukrainian forces in the Italian parliament for expedited adoption. It is anticipated that combining simple mechanical obstacles with next-generation high-tech interceptors, which Ukraine is currently developing, will significantly enhance security in the combat zone. Implementing this plan will not only bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities but also address the issue of environmentally sound disposal of industrial waste in Italy. Technical planning of logistics routes for delivering the nets to the Ukrainian border is currently underway.
Previously, the Breton charity Kernic Solidarités sent two shipments of nets totaling 280 km in length to Ukraine. Fishermen from the coast of Brittany are sending horsehair nets so that Ukrainians can use them for anti-drone protection.
