Kremlin-led drone campaign surveilled European sites for 18 months

Russia orchestrated an extensive drone surveillance campaign across Europe for 18 months, targeting sensitive sites including nuclear facilities in the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. An analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) revealed that Russian intelligence operated with significant impunity, leaving European authorities unprepared and confused.

Drones were repeatedly spotted over military bases and airports, yet none were intercepted or shot down, highlighting a strategic gap in NATO's air defense. Researchers suggest the drones were likely launched from "shadow fleet" vessels that had disabled their identification and tracking systems. European governments have largely avoided directly accusing Russia, but Charlie Edwards, a senior fellow at IISS, stated that all consulted governments welcomed the report's findings.

"Our assessment is that the Kremlin very likely coordinated a drone campaign across Europe," Edwards said. Researchers believe Russia's motives were multifaceted, including surveillance of nuclear sites, general reconnaissance, mapping military logistics and supply chains, and conducting "economic attrition and psychological warfare." The number of drone incidents peaked last year with over 30 cases in September and again in November, with Germany recording the most. The report indicates a decline in incidents since European navies began seizing ships from Russia's "shadow fleet" this year.

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Our assessment is that the Kremlin very likely coordinated a drone campaign across Europe.