politics
Researchers report Russian drone flights over European nuclear sites
An 18-month study documented 144 drone incidents near nuclear facilities in four countries. The analysis found no interceptions occurred despite repeated sightings.
The GuardianAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
A research institute documented 144 drone sightings near nuclear facilities and military bases across more than a dozen European countries between late 2024 and mid-2026. The International Institute for Strategic Studies linked the flights to vessels operating without active tracking devices.
Reported incidents Drones appeared above an air base in Suffolk and a submarine facility in Brittany. Additional flights were recorded near weapons storage locations in Belgium and the Netherlands. Vessels suspected of launching or recovering the drones were observed in the North Sea and near Denmark.
One tanker later boarded by authorities carried crew members employed by a Russian private military company.
Response and assessment No drones were captured or shot down during the period examined. Officials in multiple countries declined to publicly attribute the flights to any specific actor. The institute concluded the operations demonstrated gaps in existing air defense systems designed for larger aircraft. Drone activity declined after several vessels were detained in 2026.
