US Spies 'Warn Russia Planning Strikes on Italy, Spain, France
US intelligence says the plan could use Gerbera drones hidden on merchant vessels, a tactic that would let Russia strike from offshore and test European defenses.
- The CIA reportedly warned Spain, France, and Italy that Russia may be preparing drone operations targeting them from commercial vessels in the Mediterranean, though The CIA has not publicly confirmed the assessment.
- Moscow allegedly plans to use a "shadow fleet" of commercial vessels to launch Gerbera drones concealed inside shipping containers; a source close to the Lithuania Ministry of Defense stated, "They will use drones concealed inside shipping containers and launched from the sea; it is not difficult at all."
- Gerbera drones weigh up to 18 kilograms with a 2.5 meters wingspan, reaching speeds of around 160 kilometers per hour; launched 200 to 300 kilometers offshore, they could strike coastal infrastructure within one hour and 15 minutes to two hours.
- Spain, France, and Italy have increased security around critical infrastructure while monitoring intelligence; these alerts occur as Russia utilizes hybrid activities to test European defenses and gauge NATO responses, while generally remaining below the threshold of direct military conflict.
- Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that countries supporting Ukraine could face Russian hybrid attacks involving drones or missiles in the coming months; Tusk noted such incidents might be portrayed as accidental to test NATO territory defenses along the eastern flank.
122 Articles
122 Articles
EADaily, 24 September 2026. Russia is allegedly preparing attacks on southern European countries to be carried out by Herber drones launching from shadow fleet vessels in the Mediterranean Sea, which allegedly received data from the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIS) and notified the Governments of European States ...
According to a report by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Russia is planning drone attacks on coastal areas from ships.
According to a Spanish publication that refers to sources in the intelligence and defense of Lithuania, the American CIA allegedly sent warnings to three governments – Spain, France and Italy – the meaning of the message: Russia can prepare drone attacks, and it is not planned to launch drones.
US intelligence agencies warn European governments against possible Russian drone attacks on Mediterranean countries. The potential targets of the covert operations are Spain, France and Italy.
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