Russians Reinforce Underwater Barriers on the Approaches to the Kerch Bridge

The invaders continue to block the Kerch Strait with underwater “hedgehogs” to protect the Kerch Bridge from Ukrainian maritime drones.

The Crimean Wind Telegram channel published the photo of the works.

Judging by the published photos, the “hedgehogs” are being flooded in the sea under the navigable arches of the Kerch Bridge, effectively narrowing the fairway.

According to the channel, the Russians started flooding the barrier structures in the form of “hedgehogs” in the strait in September 2024.

Hundreds of such structures have already been submerged, which is why only Russian warships and boats, as well as pilot vessels with maps of underwater obstacles, can move near the bridge. These maps are classified.

The installation of barriers around the Kerch Bridge was first reported in August 2023. Then the Russians installed several barges on the approaches to the bridge. Since then, the barrier system has been constantly reinforced with additional barges, containment booms, and underwater obstacles.

The Russians also deployed a 436BIS(R) project target vessel near the bridge to protect the strategically important facility from radar-guided missiles.

In addition, towers with Pantsir-S1M anti-aircraft missile and gun systems, smoke generators, radars, and increased patrols were installed.

In the summer of 2024, the invaders built a permanent barrier parallel to the Kerch Bridge. Thus, a multi-level barrier system was created around the bridge, completely blocking the approaches to the bridge. Only a narrow passage under the shipping arches remained free.

Despite these measures, in June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine struck the Crimean Bridge for the third time in a special operation, mining the pillars of the strategic facility underwater.

During the operation, which lasted several months, SSU agents planted explosives on the bridge pylons. At 4:44 a.m., the first explosive device was activated, damaging the structure.

The agency reported that the underwater supports of the pylons were severely damaged at the bottom level, stating that “explosives equivalent to 1100 kg of TNT contributed to this.”

In late September, the Ukrainian company Toloka announced that it had started mass production of TOLOKA-400 and TOLOKA-200 underwater drones.