Key facts
- Russia conducted an 18-month drone surveillance campaign targeting European nuclear sites.
- The campaign began in late 2024.
Russia conducted an 18-month drone surveillance campaign targeting nuclear sites across Europe, according to researchers at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS). The campaign, which began in late 2024, reportedly involved flights over the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The IISS analysis suggests this operation exposed perceived weaknesses in NATO's air defense capabilities.
Researchers at the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) have concluded that Russia orchestrated an extensive drone surveillance campaign targeting nuclear sites across Europe over an 18-month period. This operation, which commenced in late 2024, reportedly involved Russian drones flying over sensitive locations in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The IISS analysis suggests that the campaign was designed to probe and expose perceived failures or gaps in NATO's air defense systems. The findings highlight a significant intelligence-gathering effort by Russia, potentially aimed at assessing the vulnerability of critical European infrastructure. The duration of the campaign, spanning over a year and a half, indicates a sustained and systematic approach to this surveillance. The specific types of drones used and the exact methodologies employed in the surveillance are not detailed in the initial report, but the conclusion points to a deliberate and coordinated effort by Russian intelligence or military entities. This revelation raises concerns about the effectiveness of current air defense measures in place to protect nuclear facilities and other strategic assets within NATO member states.