A new report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies suggests that a series of mysterious drone incidents over European NATO bases, airports, and critical infrastructure between 2024 and 2026 may form part of a coordinated Kremlin campaign, with Russian-linked "shadow fleet" ships likely serving as launch platforms. The report identified 144 suspicious drone sightings across a dozen NATO countries, correlating many incidents with the nearby presence of Russian-linked vessels, and highlighted Russian drones such as the Orlan-10 as likely candidates given their range and capability to operate from commercial ships. Europe's response has so far been fragmented, and the IISS warns that addressing the threat will require better cross-border coordination, clearer rules of engagement, and greater willingness to intercept suspicious vessels operating near European coastlines.
