Report Reveals Russian Drone Campaign Mapped NATO Air Defense Gaps Across Europe

A new study by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) indicates that Russia likely used 'shadow ships' to launch drones over more than a dozen European countries, including NATO members, between 2024 and 2026. The campaign reportedly disrupted civilian aviation, monitored military sites, and exposed vulnerabilities in Europe's air defenses, proceeding without a collective allied response.