Among the many images that captured the chaos and disorganization caused by Brexit, few were as striking as one from a morning in 2020. Most news broadcasts opened with an aerial shot that, upon zooming in, revealed an endless line of trucks stranded for days. The divorce between the EU and the UK was official, and one of the hardest-hit sectors was the fishing industry. Over time, the industry had to reinvent itself, and in a small Danish village, they found an unexpected way to do so.
The Gardener and His Life-Saving Net
Carl Futtrup, a 53-year-old Danish gardener with no ties to the military, became a key player in Ukraine’s defense by responding to an unusual request from the front lines: industrial fishing nets capable of stopping Russian explosive drones. Upon learning about the need, he contacted fishermen from Thyborøn, who donated 450 tons of thick nylon trawl nets, originally designed to withstand tons of fish in the open sea.
These nets, rendered useless after Brexit due to the loss of access to British waters, became a vital resource for Ukrainian troops. How? On the front lines, they are used to protect fortified positions, armored vehicles, and logistical routes, intercepting drones and mitigating the impact of their explosions.
A Simple Solution Against an Advanced Threat
As drones become a key element on the battlefield, these low-cost nets have proven to be an effective defense against sophisticated threats, including fiber-optic-guided drones that evade traditional electronic jamming systems. In addition to serving as a physical barrier, the nets are reusable even after explosions, leading to growing demand among Ukrainian units.
Some brigades have started covering trees, tunnels, and vehicles with these nets. It is estimated that each unit may require between 50 and 80 tons of nets per month. Russia has also adopted this strategy, albeit with varying results. However, demand is so high that the current supply barely meets the needs, and many battalions are still awaiting new deliveries.
From Danish Ports to the Battlefield
According to Insider, Futtrup has secured another 600 tons of nets by reaching out to more Danish ports. However, transportation costs are high: the second shipment cost approximately 90,000 euros, with each truck carrying up to 20 tons at a price of about 3,000 euros per trip. Although the nets have been donated for free, logistics depend on voluntary funding and government support. As a result, Futtrup has started efforts to secure funds in Denmark and Sweden.
The problem is that this source of nets will not be sustainable in the long run. According to Danish politician Carsten Bach, the country’s strict environmental laws require such equipment to be recycled or discarded, meaning there will not be a continuous supply. Many of these nets had been stored in hopes of resuming fishing in British waters, but over time, fishermen were forced to get rid of them.
Redefining Warfare
The Swedish organization Operation Change, which collaborates with brigades in Ukraine, has confirmed that at least 13 units are already using these nets. However, they warn that the supply remains insufficient. With access to the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov largely blocked by Russian forces, importation has become the only way to acquire more nets.
A commander in the Donetsk region stated that his battalion needs three truckloads (around 60 tons) each month and that installing a single load can take three to four days. Given this demand, Operation Change is seeking alternatives through organizations that clean Swedish coasts.
The Impact of Simplicity
Jennifer Kavanagh, an expert at the think tank Defense Priorities, highlights this case as an example of how the war in Ukraine has democratized modern combat. While military powers invest in advanced technology, the use of fishing nets demonstrates that simple, accessible solutions can be decisive on the battlefield.
Nets may not be a viable solution for all armies, but they offer a strategic lesson on the importance of considering more cost-effective and practical options in future wars. Meanwhile, Futtrup continues his efforts to maintain the supply. His immediate goal is to raise 50,000 euros to ensure transportation, and he is committed to sending nets as long as they are available in Denmark. For him, distance is no excuse. “Ukraine is part of Europe and is only 1,250 kilometers from here,” he states.
His initiative has not only provided a concrete solution on the front lines but has also demonstrated how civilian solidarity can become a vital shield in the midst of the most technologically advanced war of our era.
