Drone intrusions over Europe between August 2024 and February 2026 raised alarms after the tanker Boracay—part of Russia’s shadow fleet—was linked to flights over Denmark from September 22‑25, 2025. A French Navy warship appears in the background, hinting at covert maritime launch capabilities. The incidents disrupted major airports and crossed NATO bases that host U.S. nuclear weapons, prompting a UK‑based think‑tank to investigate possible Kremlin coordination.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies counted 144 drone sightings across 12 NATO members and Ireland. About 48 % were over military bases, 26 % over critical infrastructure, and 18 % over civilian airports. Most flights occurred after sunset, and witnesses described the aircraft as “professional” or “military‑style.” The pattern, the report argues, is consistent with a Kremlin probe of allied defenses.

The drones that fit the profile include the Merlin‑VR, a fixed‑wing craft that launches from a ship outsiders and returns by parachute, and the Orlan‑10, with a 500 km range, 12‑hour endurance, and a suite of sensors. The Orlan‑10 can carry GPS‑spoofing modules, signal‑monitoring gear, and optical/thermal sensors. Russia also produces VTOL models like the Legioner E29, which need minimal deck space, allowing small commercial vessels to operate covertly.

These events expose gaps in European air‑defense systems against low‑cost, low‑altitude incursions. NATO bases that house nuclear weapons now face an expanded surveillance threat, while civil aviation operators must adjust protocols for sudden drone presence. The campaign underscores the need for upgraded detection and interception capabilities across the continent.