Russia Deploys Shadow Fleet to Launch Drones Over Europe, Targeting NATO Sites for Reconnaissance.

IISS Report Exposes Russian Reconnaissance Operations in Europe

According to UATV: A study by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has revealed that Russia is leveraging a covert shadow fleet to launch drones over European nations. These operations aim to spy on NATO installations, pressure European governments, and gather intelligence on the Alliance's air defense systems. Between August 2024 and February 2026, unidentified drones repeatedly violated the airspace of over ten NATO countries and Ireland.

During these reconnaissance missions, drones were used to survey:

• military airbases;
• storage sites for U.S. nuclear weapons in Europe;
• logistics routes supporting military aid to Ukraine.

Flights near airports in Brussels, Munich, Copenhagen, and Oslo caused temporary shutdowns of those facilities, underscoring the severity of the threat.

Russia Ramps Up Intelligence Operations

Following the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats and intelligence officers from Europe in 2022, Moscow intensified its use of commercial vessels to conduct espionage activities. Notable Russian drones involved include the 'Orlan-10' and 'Merlin-VR'. In Ireland, during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, drones were detected over a naval vessel, highlighting the scale of these reconnaissance efforts.

The IISS study also points to a lack of preparedness among European nations for this threat, raising concerns about continental security. The situation demands urgent measures to enhance readiness against potential attacks and reconnaissance from Russia.

This information underscores the need to bolster security measures and cooperation among NATO countries to counter emerging security challenges.

International Institute for Strategic Studies

Russia's activation of these intelligence operations may signal escalating tensions between Moscow and Western states, requiring vigilant monitoring and a coordinated response from the Alliance. Boosting preparedness for potential threats is critical to maintaining regional stability.