Russia most likely launched reconnaissance drones over Europe using ships from its “shadow fleet,” including flights close to European nuclear installations and NATO air bases.
Russia conducted a clandestine drone operation over Europe between 2024 and 2026, according to a research written by the UK-based think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
The drones were probably launched from ships in Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels that are frequently used to get over limits and sanctions, especially in the oil and energy trade.
The drones appear to have been reconnaissance kinds, not strike bombs, meant to map air defense coverage and test NATO response patterns.
Drone activity was observed above Dutch air bases, including Volkel and Eindhoven, in late 2025, according to the IISS research.
Some flights reportedly targeted or monitored nuclear sites across Europe, suggesting an intelligence-gathering rather than purely disruptive intent.
The campaign disrupted civilian aviation at times, forcing flight reroutes or delays, while simultaneously probing how European air defenses tracked and responded to low-altitude, slow targets.
By launching small, low-RCS drones from maritime platforms, Russia can stress-test radar coverage, integration between national systems, and reaction times without crossing red lines that would accompany missile strikes.
Israeli sources said that he Russian operation is aimed to evaluate how quickly and cohesively NATO nations collaborate on detection, tracking, and interception, and whether political hesitation hinders replies
The Ukrainian attacks on the Russian “Ghost Fleet” have hampered Moscow’s plan to re-establish a major presence in the Mediterranean. This presence was diminished after the change of regime in Syria.
Ukraine has conducted multiple attacks on Russia’s “shadow fleet”, a network of unregulated oil tankers used to evade Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. These strikes, primarily by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) using drones, have targeted vessels in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and near Turkey.
Ukraine’s operations often involve Sea Baby maritime drones or aerial drones, hitting empty or loaded tankers en route to ports like Novorossiysk.
Russia has accused Ukraine of “maritime piracy,” while Kyiv views these as legitimate strikes on war-financing assets.
The attacks continue, with this month’s emphasis on Russian ships sailing in the Caspian Sea.