CIA warns European capitals of Russian maritime drone threat
The Central Intelligence Agency has warned European capitals of a suspected Russian plot to launch small reconnaissance and strike drones from commercial cargo vessels operating in international waters in the Mediterranean, according to a report published by the Spanish daily El Mundo.
CIA Warns European Capitals of Maritime Drone Threat
Intelligence assessments indicate that Spain, France, or Italy could be the targets of these operations. The scheme reportedly involves concealing Gerbera-type unmanned aerial vehicles inside standard shipping containers before launching them via catapult from merchant vessels.
Container-Launched Drones Threaten Mediterranean Coasts
With a wingspan of approximately 2.5 meters and a maximum range of 600 kilometers, the drones could reach coastal European territories within one to two hours of launch.
The warning was distributed to European intelligence services, including Lithuania, following a secretive visit to Moscow by the CIA director aboard a U.S. military plane on August 25. The intelligence circulation coincided with heightened security measures in France, where President Emmanuel Macron convened a Defense Council meeting on September 16 before summoning political leaders to the Élysée Palace days later.
Growing Escalation in Hybrid Warfare Across Europe
European security officials have tracked an escalation in hybrid warfare and sabotage incidents over the past year.
In February, a Swedish Navy vessel detected and jammed a drone launched from a Russian intelligence ship in the Öresund Strait during a port visit by the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. In early August, German authorities investigated an incident where an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport, an event officially attributed to Russia following a month-long inquiry.
Continental Military Preparedness and Air Defense Drills
Military preparedness has intensified across the continent in response to the reported threats.
The Austrian military launched a large-scale counter-drone and air defense exercise involving 300 soldiers, Mistral ground-to-air missiles, and electronic warfare systems in the eastern region of the country, as reported by Austrian public media.