US Warns Spain, Italy and France of Potential Russian Drone Attacks
Spain, Italy, and France received US intelligence warnings over potential Russian drone attacks launched from merchant vessels in the Mediterranean, aiming to cause political and economic disruption ahead of upcoming elections.
Spain, Italy, and France have received intelligence warnings from the United States regarding a potential Russian drone attack targeting these European nations. According to reports published by the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, the information was shared by the CIA following a recent visit by American intelligence officials to Moscow.
Intelligence Findings and Potential Threats
US intelligence services reportedly gathered information concerning escalation plans by the Kremlin and shared these assessments with several European governments. A source close to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense indicated that one scenario involves launching drones from hidden containers aboard a ship in the Mediterranean Sea, describing the method as relatively straightforward to execute.
Governments in Madrid, Rome, and Paris were informed that Russia is preparing for possible drone operations against one or more of these countries. Security analysts familiar with the CIA report noted that it includes detailed descriptions of potential attack vectors, with French authorities classifying the intelligence as highly reliable.
The reports suggest that Russia might employ Gerbera-type unmanned aerial vehicles. These drones measure approximately two meters in length with a 2.5-meter wingspan, weigh up to 18 kilograms, and reach speeds of around 160 kilometers per hour, with a stated maximum range of roughly 600 kilometers.
Strategic Impact and Political Objectives
While the explosive payload of a Gerbera drone is relatively small—carrying around four to five kilograms of explosives—analysts believe the objective may not be widespread destruction, but rather political and economic disruption. Such an attack could potentially cause fires, damage exposed equipment, or trigger temporary closures of maritime ports and airports.
"Russia does not necessarily have to target countries on the eastern flank, but may instead seek out Europe's weakest points where integrated air and missile defense systems are less developed against this specific threat," noted a security analyst quoted in the report.
Observers also pointed out that Italy, France, and Spain are all scheduled to hold elections during 2027. A covert Russian operation against any of these nations could generate significant political turmoil, potentially benefiting pro-Russian political factions that advocate for halting aid to Ukraine and resuming Russian energy imports.
