Russia is reportedly preparing to launch drone attacks against key targets in Southern and Western Europe, according to intelligence assessments shared with several NATO member states. The CIA has alerted officials in Italy, Spain, and France about Moscow’s plans to deploy seaborne drones launched from commercial container ships targeting ports, airports, and other critical infrastructure across the region.
The move represents an expansion of Russia’s military focus beyond Eastern Europe and the Baltics to include the Mediterranean and Western European countries. According to intelligence sources cited by Spanish media, Russian drones concealed within shipping containers could be launched from merchant vessels, enabling strikes on extensive portions of Spain, including Madrid and Andalusian tourist destinations; most of Italy except its northeastern areas; and southern France, including cities such as Toulouse and Marseille.
The drones expected to be used, identified as Gerbera models, are relatively small and compact, capable of being hidden inside standard shipping containers. Measuring approximately two meters in length with a wingspan of 2.5 meters, these drones can travel up to 600 kilometers at speeds nearing 160 km/h. While their payloads are limited and not sufficient to destroy large facilities, they could cause significant disruption by temporarily shutting down key transport and logistics hubs.
European defense authorities, including officials in Lithuania, have expressed concern that Russia may employ these drones in a campaign of probing attacks designed to sow discord and exploit political divisions within NATO countries. Intelligence sharing appears to have escalated following a visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow in late August, which some reports suggest was a warning against provocations targeting NATO allies.
Denmark’s defense intelligence service has also highlighted the increasing risk of Russian military action in the region. While it considers a full-scale invasion unlikely, officials warn that smaller-scale, targeted attacks remain a possibility. Analysts note that Russia's strategy aims to exploit vulnerabilities in countries with less robust integrated air and missile defense systems, citing Spain and the United Kingdom as examples.
The potential attacks come amid looming elections next year in Italy, Spain, and France, where political parties differ sharply on support for Ukraine. In Italy, opposition groups and some coalition members oppose increased military aid to Kyiv, fearing it will prolong the conflict. In France, left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon has attributed the heightened Russian threat in Europe to Ukraine’s long-range military actions against Russia.
Recent Russian drone incursions into Moldovan airspace further underline Moscow’s escalating regional provocations. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu reported the violation of her country’s airspace by several drones, describing Russia’s war in Ukraine as a danger to all of Europe.
The report on potential Russian drone attacks has prompted swift responses from European governments. In Italy, opposition lawmakers have called on the government for immediate clarification regarding national security measures. French President Emmanuel Macron convened a defense council on September 16 and subsequently met with leaders of all main political parties and presidential candidates to address the growing threat. Macron warned that the renewal of Russian aggression marks a changing landscape in European security and stressed that no country is immune.
In response, the French government has been tasked with developing plans to safeguard critical infrastructure and defense-related industries from drone and cyberattacks. Macron emphasized that any further Russian incursions would be met with decisive action, signaling a preparedness to confront shifting tactics that may increasingly target civilian and economic sites beyond traditional military assets.