Russia is strengthening its defenses against potential drone attacks by deploying advanced air defense systems and sophisticated electronic jamming technologies, aiming to safeguard key economic assets, especially critical infrastructure.
Recent reports indicate that drones have targeted important sites across Russia, including oil refineries and other major energy infrastructure.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), a Russian military expert explained that multiple layers of defense are in place to track and intercept incoming drones.
"Generally speaking, modern defense systems are quite effective against drones. However, challenges arise when we don't know where the drones come from, what their flight paths are like, or what targets they aim at. As a result, the enemy occasionally sneak its way in. Fortunately, the Russian Ministry of Defense is learning from its mistakes and reducing the damage caused every month," said Dmitry Kornev, a military expert and Editor-in-chief of Militaryrussia Online.
About the large nets erected around the premises of oil refineries, he explained that these barriers serve as a last line of defense, designed to intercept small drones before they reach critical targets.
"Yes, physical barriers can be effective against small, homemade drones. However, they're insufficient against more advanced threats like cruise missiles. For those, strong air defense systems are needed," he said.
Russia beefs up air defenses to protect key infrastructure from drone attacks
Cuba held rallies and marches in all provinces on Thursday to celebrate the May Day International Workers' Day, with workers unions, citizens, and global visitors gathered at Havana's Revolution Square for a grand parade.
The May Day parades have been an annual tradition in the country since the victory of the 1959 revolution. For this year, the parades called for solidarity amid global economic turbulence and higher U.S. sanctions.
Started in the early morning, enthusiastic marchers and union workers grouped in blocs representing different unions, holding banners with all kinds of slogans to show support for the government and celebrate the national event.
The parade was presided over by top Cuban government and Communist Party leaders including former President Raul Castro, current President Miguel Diaz-Canel, and Premier Manuel Marrero.
In his remarks at the rally, Cuban Workers' Confederation leader Ulises Guilarte said that this year's celebration took place amid a complex world scenario, marked by the rise of a new and dangerous imperialist offensive. However, Cuban people will keep struggling for a better future, noted Guilarte.
The island country has long been coping with an economic crisis marked by high inflation, shortages, and U.S. sanctions, but the crowds showed their support for the government with the enthusiastic march.
"The revolution remains alive, our revolution will keep advancing; and despite the difficulties we are facing, we are still living a happy life, and we are eager to reach new and nice achievements for our nation," said Lucia Rodriguez, a local demonstrator.
More than 1,000 social activists from around the world also joined the celebration at the Revolution Square, demonstrating against the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba.
"I can imagine, due to the blockade, that Cuba needs to have strong relationships of solidarity, so I'm so happy I can be here, and be part of those relationships," said a Canadian activist during the event.
Cuba holds rallies, parades to celebrate International Workers' Day