Russia has carried out a spying campaign against NATO, with the help of drones, for 18. It is estimated that at least 12 countries have been targeted, and there were no obstacles.
Drones were launched from tanker planes of the Russian phantom fleet, from cargo ships near the shore, and from small boats, according to an analysis by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London. The research analyzed 144 incidents that occurred between August 2024 and February 2026.
Russia has increasingly turned to drones for information gathering, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine and the expulsion of diplomats from Europe, reports Agerpres. The limitation of activities of Russian embassies has halted the operation of traditional espionage networks.
Through these activities, the Kremlin has also tested the readiness of NATO member states’ response capabilities and identified vulnerabilities in European anti-aircraft defense systems.
Germany was the most severely affected, with 58 incidents, six of which occurred over the US Air Force base in Ramstein and at the German Armed Forces bases in Manching and Neuburg an der Donau.
Belgium ranks second, with 25 incidents, including near the Kleine Brogel air base, where American nuclear weapons are believed to be stored.
Almost half of the incidents took place over military installations, and less than 20% – over civilian airports, many of which were forced to temporarily suspend their activities. Another 25% targeted critical infrastructure, such as ports, energy facilities, and industrial sites.