Russia is launching drones across Europe to surveil military sites and test NATO air defenses. A report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) reveals numerous suspected drone activities near sensitive sites in several European countries.
Drone Incidents in Europe
Russia’s shadow fleet, consisting of old ships that evade sanctions, is reportedly used to launch these drones. Between August 2024 and February 2026, 144 drones were detected near military and nuclear sites in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Denmark, and American air bases in the UK.
In Germany alone, over 1,000 suspicious drones were sighted in 2025 near defense companies and training bases for Ukrainian soldiers. These incidents test the authorities’ responses and measure public reaction to potential crises.
“The Russians are using shadow fleet vessels as platforms to deploy various types of drones closer to European countries,” said Ret. Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges.
Impact on NATO and European Security
The drone campaign impacts a dozen NATO states and Ireland, causing disruptions in military operations and civilian aviation. In 2025, drones targeted bases in the Netherlands and Belgium and France’s nuclear submarine base at Île Longue.
This activity probes NATO’s defense and civil-military command structures while creating anxiety among populations. It forces airport closures, undermining civilian confidence in airspace security.
Sweden accused Moscow of launching a drone near a French aircraft carrier. Russian President Vladimir Putin denies any sabotage accusations, questioning the evidence.
Evidence Linking Russia to Drone Activity
The IISS tracked locations of Russia’s shadow fleet and linked it to drone incidents, suggesting that these ships serve as platforms for drone launches while maintaining deniability. Drones used often evade radar.
An example includes the Russian vessel Arctica sailing along Denmark’s coast, coinciding with 20 drones flying over the port of Koege before vanishing at sea.
Drone Sightings in the U.S.
The U.S. also experiences unexplained drone sightings. In December 2023, unauthorized aircraft appeared above Virginia’s Joint Base Langley-Eustis for 17 consecutive days. In March, drones flew near Louisiana’s Barksdale Air Force Base, indicating attempts to avoid operator detection.
Panic near critical infrastructure led to the declassification of investigations, concluding most drone activities were from hobbyists, with no foreign threats identified.
The IISS attributes European drone threats to shadow vessels at sea, with the intended use for military strategy rather than hobbyist purposes.
Jennifer Griffin is a national security correspondent for FOX News Channel.