Concerns have once again been raised in Europe regarding a potential drone attack by Russia. A report by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo claims that Russia might be planning to launch drones from commercial vessels to target tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Spain, France, and Italy have been identified as potential targets in the report.
The report states that US intelligence agencies have warned European nations about this potential Russian operation. However, it does not specify the exact targets for such an attack, nor has there been any official public confirmation regarding such a plan.
Drones could be launched from ships at sea
According to El Mundo, Russia’s ‘Gerbera’ drones could be launched from commercial ships. There are concerns that these drones could be concealed within cargo containers, transported to international waters, and launched from there.
A defense source from the NATO member state Lithuania claimed in an interview with the newspaper that such a system for launching drones from the sea is feasible. The report suggests that the drones would likely be launched from international waters, approximately 125 to 190 miles away from the coast.
The report notes that the capabilities of the Gerbera drone allow it to be used to start fires, damage exposed equipment, or temporarily disrupt operations at ports or airports.
Targeting nations providing military aid to Ukraine?
The report also links this potential threat to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Spain, France, and Italy are among the European nations that have been providing various forms of military and other assistance to Ukraine.
The report also mentions Odesa, Ukraine, where security concerns regarding the coastline and surrounding areas have persisted due to Russian attacks. Warnings Regarding NATO Countries Have Been Issued Previously
This report emerges at a time when Western security agencies have been consistently issuing warnings about Russia’s activities. The report claims that concerns have previously been raised regarding drone activity in the airspace of certain NATO countries, including Poland, Romania, Lithuania, and Latvia.
According to newspaper sources, European nations were briefed on potential threats linked to Russia following CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s visit to Moscow and his discussions with Russian intelligence officials. However, there is no publicly available official confirmation of this claim.
French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting of his Defense Council on September 16. Two days later, he held a meeting with leaders of the country’s major political parties and potential candidates for the 2027 presidential election.
Poland Also Expresses Concern
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has also stated that he has received warnings regarding potential Russian attacks against countries supplying weapons to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, European security officials have expressed concern over potential Russian activities within NATO territory. Michal Koudelka, head of the Czech Republic’s security service (BIS), told The Guardian that the possibility of Russian incursions into NATO territory cannot be ruled out. He also warned of potential “false-flag” operations and influence campaigns.
No Signs of Imminent Attack, Say Some Security Agencies
However, not all European security officials agree with the prospect of an imminent military attack. Normunds Mežviets, head of Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD), stated that despite concerns regarding Russia’s activities in Europe, his agency has found no indications of an imminent attack. They also stated that it remains unclear whether Moscow has a concrete plan against Europe or if such activities are part of a strategy to sow fear and uncertainty among Western nations.
Thomas Nilsson, the head of Sweden’s Military Intelligence and Security Service, also noted that there were no indications suggesting Russia is making serious preparations for actual hostilities.
However, the three European security officials expressed concern that there could be an escalation in Russia-linked “shadow war” activities—covert and indirect operations—in the coming months.
Note: The claims made in the Spanish newspaper report and the alleged plot for a potential drone attack have not been independently verified. Consequently, this is currently being viewed as a concern stemming from an intelligence report rather than a confirmed plan for an attack by Russia.
