A series of unexplained drone sightings have caused airport shutdowns, disrupted military sites, and targeted critical infrastructure across Europe in recent months. These incursions occurred in cities including Copenhagen, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Brussels, Liege, Oslo, and Gothenburg, resulting in cancelled flights and exposing vulnerabilities in air defense. Multiple European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Denmark's prime minister, have pointed to Russia as likely responsible for these hybrid warfare tactics aiming to sow division and retaliate against support for Ukraine. Some drones may be gathering intelligence, while attacks have coincided with geopolitical events such as frozen Russian asset seizures and military aid announcements. European militaries are exploring solutions ranging from laser-based systems to autonomous interceptor drones, as well as an ambitious EU-wide drone defense network planned for 2027.

A series of unexplained drone sightings have caused airport shutdowns, disrupted military sites, and targeted critical infrastructure across Europe in recent months. These incursions occurred in cities including Copenhagen, Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Brussels, Liege, Oslo, and Gothenburg, resulting in cancelled flights and exposing vulnerabilities in air defense. Multiple European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Denmark's prime minister, have pointed to Russia as likely responsible for these hybrid warfare tactics aiming to sow division and retaliate against support for Ukraine. Some drones may be gathering intelligence, while attacks have coincided with geopolitical events such as frozen Russian asset seizures and military aid announcements. European militaries are exploring solutions ranging from laser-based systems to autonomous interceptor drones, as well as an ambitious EU-wide drone defense network planned for 2027.