Russia reportedly used drones to watch European nuclear sites for over 18 months

Researchers say Russia has been using drones to spy on nuclear sites in several European countries, including the UK, France, and the Netherlands, for at least 18 months. These drones were believed to have been launched from ships operating at sea.

An analysis by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) examined 144 incidents in over a dozen countries. They found that Russian intelligence seemed to be operating without much difficulty or being stopped. This surprised and confused officials across Europe, as no drones were captured or shot down by military forces.

The targets included important military locations like RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, a UK base being prepared to house US nuclear weapons, and France's main nuclear submarine base. Drones were often spotted over airfields, but western militaries did not manage to stop them, showing a gap in Nato's air defence systems. The report suggests that governments in Europe have quietly admitted this problem.

One example mentioned was drones flying over RAF Lakenheath and other US air bases in England in late 2024. The drones might have been controlled from a tanker ship in the North Sea or a cargo vessel docked in Hull. This same cargo ship was suspected in earlier drone sightings over a German submarine base.

The report also detailed incidents in December 2025, where five drones were seen over France's nuclear submarine base. Russian-linked ships were spotted offshore at the time. Additionally, drones were detected over airbases in Belgium and the Netherlands in November and December 2025, where US nuclear weapons are stored, while similar ships were in the North Sea.

It is thought that the drones were launched from 'dark sailing' vessels. These ships reportedly turn off their tracking devices to avoid detection. Other ships may have been used to collect the drones or boost their signals, using techniques learned from the war in Ukraine. Russia's goals are believed to include spying on nuclear weapons, gathering military information, and possibly conducting psychological warfare.

The number of drone sightings across Europe increased significantly in late 2025, particularly in Germany. However, the incidents appear to have decreased since European navies started taking control of some of these suspicious ships in 2026. In one case, a Danish tanker with a Chinese captain and Russian personnel was detained. The report concluded that this showed Russian private military companies are actively involved in such operations.