Russia may use commercial ships to launch drone attacks on Southern Europe

U.S. intelligence agencies have cautioned a number of European states that Russia may employ commercial cargo ships as launch platforms for small, self-destructing drones targeting locations in Spain, France and Italy. The alert appears tied to CIA Director John Ratcliffe's August visit to Moscow. NATO’s top diplomat, Mark Rutte, described the Russian threat as both genuine and enduring, urging European allies to maintain composure and continue backing Ukraine while preparing for potential incidents.

Unnamed Lithuanian defence ministry officials say the drones could be the "Gerber" model, a two-metre, 18-kg UAV that can travel at 160 km/h over distances up to 600 km and carry a limited 4-5 kg explosive payload. Analysts suggest the weapon would likely be used to temporarily cripple airports or conduct symbolic strikes to test Europe’s rear-area defenses. Past incidents include a Swedish navy detection of a similar drone launched from a Russian reconnaissance ship in the Øresund Strait and several unauthorised drone flights over Polish airspace. Italian defence minister Guido Crosetto dismissed the reports as unfounded alarmism, while Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez faces pressure to boost air-defence spending amid the warning.