The Russians have increased the number of combat dolphins to protect the bay of Sevastopol.

The Ministry of Defense of the UK made such a statement.

Satellite images published by the British Ministry of Defense show that the number of dolphin pens in the bay of Sevastopo has doubled.

Highly likely, pens in the harbour contain bottle-nosed dolphins, a type of dolphin inhabiting the Black Sea.

“In Arctic waters, the navy also uses Beluga whales and seals. Russia has trained animals for a range of missions, but the ones housed in Sevastopol harbour are highly likely intended to counter enemy divers,” the report said.

Previously, Naval News reported that the number of trained dolphins probably increased from 3-4 to 6-7.

According to the publication, the animals are intended to protect the bay from Ukrainian special forces divers, known as combat swimmers, who might infiltrate the base of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation.

The effectiveness of the use of animals against naval kamikaze drones, which have repeatedly passed through the Sevastopol bay, remains unknown.

The Russians placed pens with animals back in 2022, on the northern side of the entrance to the bay. Previously, in Kozacha Bay, there was the State Oceanarium, Scientific-Research Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the former military unit A1113, where they were engaged in the study of marine biotechnical systems.

In particular, they studied the possibility of using marine mammals in search and rescue operations, raising underwater objects, collecting ecological and hydrological data with the help of devices installed on them, and providing assistance to divers during various underwater works.

After the annexation of Crimea, the Scientific-Research Center was relocated to Odesa, where it still conducts research today.

In addition to the unit of combat dolphins, the bay of Sevastopol is guarded by two DP-64 Damba grenade launchers and the Tor SAM system.