IISS Says Russia Flew 144 Drones at European Military Sites From Shadow Fleet

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 6

144 suspected drones were recorded near military and nuclear sites in six European countries and over US bases in Britain between August 2024 and February 2026, according to a new IISS report.
IISS said Russia likely used sanction-busting “shadow fleet” ships to launch the drones from sea, giving Moscow deniability while probing NATO air-defense reaction times and command thresholds.
The report said the flights disrupted military operations, penetrated sensitive perimeters and temporarily shut airports in Germany, Spain and Denmark, with sightings peaking in late 2025.
Germany alone logged more than 1,000 suspicious drone sightings in 2025, including over defense firms and bases training Ukrainian troops; Belgium, the Netherlands and France also saw incidents near nuclear-related sites.
NATO allies are expected to put drone warfare high on the agenda at their Turkey meeting, while Putin has denied Russian sabotage and surveillance accusations across Europe.