Kremlin Suspected of Using Russian Shadow Fleet for Drone Flights Over Europe
A UK-based think tank suggests that vessels linked to Russia may be behind coordinated drone flights disrupting European airports and military sites.
Vessels associated with Russia and its "shadow fleet," which transports sanctioned oil, may be involved in coordinated drone flights that have disrupted major European airports and bases, according to a new assessment by the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
The report analyzed maritime tracking data and found that Russian-linked ships were often located nearby during various drone incidents across 12 NATO countries and Ireland between August 2024 and February 2026. These incursions highlight the vulnerability of European air defenses to surveillance and harassment by low-cost drones.
The IISS identified 144 drone sightings during the period that were unlikely to be hobbyist or Ukraine-war related. Approximately 48 percent occurred over military bases, 26 percent over critical infrastructure like ports and industrial facilities, and 18 percent over civilian airports.
Most incidents took place at night or in the early morning hours. The drones were often described as resembling "professional" or "military-style," raising questions about their operators and intent.