Russia develops armored panels to protect energy infrastructure from drones

MOSCOW

Russian state-owned company Rostec has developed armored panels to protect its energy infrastructure from possible drone attacks, the company announced on Thursday.

The armored panels were successfully tested against possible damage caused by drone attacks and shelling, Rostec said in a statement.

The panels, each weighing 30 kilograms (66 pounds), can also be used to safeguard oil and natural gas storage facilities, and these armors provide effective protection against drones, the company added.

Recent drone strikes on Russian oil facilities near the Ukrainian border led to the suspension of operations at some facilities for repairs.

Earlier, the Russian Energy Ministry said that it was working to protect oil and gas facilities with air defense systems.

*Writing by Handan Kazanci from Istanbul