A report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) indicates that drone flights disrupting major European airports and flying over NATO military bases may be linked to a coordinated campaign by the Kremlin, utilizing Russian-associated commercial ships. The report, which analyzed automatic identification system (AIS) maritime tracking data, suggests that these ships were often near drone incidents occurring between August 2024 and February 2026.
The IISS identified 144 drone sightings in Europe during this timeframe, with 48 percent occurring over military bases, 26 percent over critical infrastructure, and 18 percent over civilian airports. Most sightings took place at night or in the early morning, and the drones were described as resembling professional or military-style models. The incidents highlight potential vulnerabilities in European air defenses against low-cost drone incursions.