A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies suggests the Kremlin is using its 'shadow fleet' of commercial ships to launch drones over European airspace, targeting NATO bases and critical infrastructure. This coordinated campaign, spanning from August 2024 to February 2026, highlights significant vulnerabilities in European air defense systems against low-cost surveillance and harassment tactics.
Background
The 'shadow fleet' refers to a network of aging tankers and cargo ships used to bypass international sanctions on Russian oil exports. These vessels often operate with AIS transponders disabled or spoofed to obscure their origins and destinations.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Jul 7, 2026 at 04:52 AM
- Score
- 9.0 / 10