Russia is believed to be testing a new floating weapons platform that could be used to protect ports and ship berths from Ukrainian drones. The system has emerged as the threat from maritime unmanned vehicles grows, with such craft being used to attack Russian vessels, coastal infrastructure and other targets.

The new structure is known as PLOT-40 or PLOT-47. Rather than resembling a patrol boat, it looks more like a compact armed position placed directly on the water. Its weapon system is apparently intended to engage unmanned vehicles, offering another layer of protection against relatively inexpensive drones now being deployed on a large scale.

The platform is built around a pontoon measuring roughly 4.6 by 2.4 meters and supported by four cylindrical floats. Above it sits a small superstructure with sloped sides, giving the vessel the appearance of a fortified floating firing point.

A weapon station is mounted on the roof. Based on published images, it may carry either a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or a 20 mm automatic cannon. Nearby equipment appears to be associated with targeting and could potentially detect and track approaching targets, according to Novaya Nauka.

Openings are visible at the front, rear and sides of the superstructure. Photographs also show seats inside, although it remains unclear whether a crew is expected to stay aboard the platform continuously. The extent to which target detection, aiming and firing are automated is also unknown.

PLOT-40 or PLOT-47 appears to have no propulsion system of its own. Moving it into position would therefore likely require another vessel to tow it. The platform also has little visible armor protection, leaving it vulnerable to a direct hit. Taken together, those features make it closer to a stationary floating firing position than an independent combat vessel.

The development comes amid more frequent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian ships, ports and facilities involved in energy exports. The challenge of protecting port infrastructure was particularly acute during the attacks on Novorossiysk on August 11 and 12, when hundreds of unmanned vehicles were used.

Defending a major port is difficult because ships, fuel facilities and other expensive infrastructure are spread across a large area. Land-based air defense systems may not necessarily cover every route that drones can use to approach a harbor or ship anchorage.

Armed floating positions could add another layer to those defenses. They can be placed close to areas where unmanned vehicles are expected to approach, bringing weapons and detection equipment nearer to a potential attack zone. Their comparatively simple design also means such platforms could potentially cost less than full-sized combat ships or sophisticated air defense systems.

The concept nevertheless has serious weaknesses. Without an engine or substantial armor, a stationary platform could become an accessible target for larger and more technically advanced unmanned vehicles. Its actual effectiveness would therefore depend heavily on target detection, aiming accuracy, weapon performance and coordination with other defensive systems.