Report: Russia conducted drone offensive in Europe

Ebba Blume/TT

 

Published 12:43

          

Russia has used its shadow fleet to send drones across Europe in the past two years, according to a new report. In the picture, the Russian cargo ship Maia-1 passes outside Malmö on its way south through the Öresund in late October 2025. Photo: Johan Nilsson/TTShow more

Russia has likely used its shadow fleet to send drones over Europe and disrupt civil aviation, according to a report.

Through the drone offensive, they are believed to have monitored military sites and tested NATO countries' air defenses.

The report from the think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) maps 144 drone sightings in Europe between 2024 and 2026, reports AP.

These include NATO countries such as Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Sweden. Drones were also observed over nuclear power plants.

The number of suspected Russian drones peaked at the end of last year, forcing airports in Germany, Spain and Denmark to temporarily close.

According to the IISS, the Russian drone offensive was a strategic failure for Europe – and exposed how poorly equipped Europe's air defenses are to respond to current threats.