Russia suspected of launching drones over Europe from shadow fleet

European air defence systems were put to the test when a swarm of low‑flying drones, believed to have been launched from Russian naval vessels, entered the airspace over the Baltic Sea last week. The unmanned aircraft, detected by radar stations in Estonia and Latvia, were intercepted by surface‑to‑air missiles and fighter jets before they could approach any civilian infrastructure. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, prompted a rapid mobilisation of NATO air‑defence assets and a joint statement from the alliance warning of the growing threat posed by state‑sponsored drone operations.

The drones’ origin was traced to a Russian frigate that had been operating in the eastern Baltic for a week, according to intelligence shared by the Baltic States. Analysts note that the use of maritime platforms to launch aerial drones represents a new dimension in hybrid warfare, complicating traditional air‑space monitoring and response protocols. European defence ministries have since called for a review of existing surveillance networks and for increased investment in counter‑drone technologies, citing the incident as evidence that current readiness levels are insufficient to counter such asymmetric threats.

In the wake of the event, NATO’s Rapid Reaction Force has been placed on high alert, and the alliance has announced a series of joint exercises aimed at improving interoperability between air‑defence systems across member states. While the drones were neutralised without incident, the episode underscores the need for enhanced situational awareness and rapid response capabilities in the face of evolving aerial threats.