Russian drone shot down near French warship in Swedish airspace

2026-02-27 buitenland

Zweden, vrijdag, 27 februari 2026.
A Russian drone was intercepted and disabled in Swedish airspace near the strategic Öresund strait. It had launched from a Russian surveillance vessel and approached within ten kilometers of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which was docked in Malmö. The Swedish Armed Forces acted swiftly to disrupt the drone, calling the breach serious and irresponsible. Defense Minister Pål Jonson confirmed the drone’s origin, heightening diplomatic tensions. This intrusion underscores growing regional security concerns in Northern Europe, with allies closely monitoring the situation amid increased Russian reconnaissance activities.

russian drone incursion in swedish airspace

On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, a Russian drone launched from the signals intelligence vessel Zhigulevsk in the Öresund strait, violating Swedish airspace [1]. The drone approached within 10 to 13 kilometers of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which was docked in Malmö during a NATO-related visit [2][3]. The Swedish Armed Forces detected the launch using onboard systems aboard HMS Rapp and immediately initiated electronic countermeasures to disrupt the drone’s operations [4]. Contact with the drone was lost following the intervention, though its ultimate fate remains unclear [5].

official confirmation and attribution

Swedish authorities confirmed the drone’s Russian origin based on technical data collected during the incident [1]. Defense Minister Pål Jonson labeled the incursion “serious and irresponsible,” emphasizing that such actions constitute a direct breach of national sovereignty [6]. He also noted a strong operational link between the Russian vessel and the unauthorized drone flight [5]. The Swedish military stated that the Russian ship failed to comply with regulations governing passage through Swedish territorial waters [7]. Officials stressed the need for continuous vigilance amid rising regional threats [8].

regional security implications

The incident occurred amidst heightened allied naval activity in the Baltic Sea, coinciding with the Charles de Gaulle’s participation in coordinated exercises [3]. Vice Admiral Ewa Skoog Haslum highlighted that similar Russian surveillance patterns have been observed before, though this event marked a significant escalation due to active drone deployment [9]. Sweden promptly shared maritime situational awareness with Denmark, given the proximity of the incident to Danish territory [5]. European partners including France have acknowledged the seriousness of the breach, underscoring growing concern over Russian reconnaissance tactics near critical infrastructure [10].

ongoing diplomatic and defense responses

Following the disruption of the drone, the Russian vessel Zhigulevsk was shadowed by Swedish naval units until it exited territorial waters into the Baltic Sea [7]. While no injuries or physical damage resulted, discussions are underway regarding a formal diplomatic protest against Russia [5]. Sweden is coordinating with NATO allies to strengthen air and maritime defenses in northern Europe [9]. Recent sightings of suspicious drones near military installations in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia suggest a broader trend in aerial surveillance operations [11]. Enhanced air defense measures are already being implemented across several European ports [12].

Bronnen

Rusland droneaanval