Swedish Authorities Respond to Russian Surveillance of French Carrier.

Russian Drone Targets French Aircraft Carrier

According to Novyny.live: While the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle was docked in the Swedish port of Malmö, Russian forces attempted to surveil it using a drone. The drone was reportedly launched from the Russian intelligence-gathering vessel 'Zhigulevsk'. In response to this perceived threat, Swedish authorities implemented countermeasures to prevent any potential incidents. This event is part of a broader pattern of increased Russian military activity in the strategically vital Baltic Sea.

The carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91) was in Malmö when the Russian ship 'Zhigulevsk', which has been part of the Russian fleet since 1982, made its surveillance attempt. The Swedish patrol boat HSwMS Rapp, armed with two 12.7mm machine guns, depth charges, mines, and anti-submarine rockets, closely monitored the Russian vessel. The armament of HSwMS Rapp was upgraded in 2020, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities.

We monitored this vessel during its transit and were prepared to take immediate countermeasures if a drone was detected.

Eva Skoog Haslum, Swedish Armed Forces Spokesperson

This incident reflects a wider trend of Russian military vessels attempting to monitor foreign military assets. In a related development, Finnish authorities intercepted the cargo ship Fitburg in January 2026 on suspicion of sabotage, while Swedish customs officials stopped the Russian vessel 'Adler' for a cargo inspection. These events highlight growing regional tensions and the Baltic states' increased vigilance in protecting their maritime domains.

Escalating Security Concerns in the Baltic Sea

The attempted surveillance of the Charles de Gaulle underscores the rising security risks in the Baltic region, where Russian military activities are causing alarm among neighboring nations. Sweden, along with other regional states, continues to bolster its defensive capabilities and readiness to respond to potential threats, indicating a clear escalation of military tension amid contemporary geopolitical challenges.