Intelligence researchers have alleged that Russia conducted an extensive surveillance operation using drones to monitor sensitive nuclear and military sites across Europe, including locations in the United Kingdom.

According to findings published by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the campaign may have run for around 15 months, between August 2024 and February 2026, and involved drones launched from vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.

One ship, the HAV Dolphin, a Russian-crewed cargo vessel, was reportedly near Hull during some of the suspected activity, while another tanker, Seasons 1, was also present in the North Sea near Essex at relevant times.

The report suggests that drones were observed over or near multiple NATO sites, including RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Fairford and RAF Feltwell in the UK, as well as sensitive installations in France, Belgium and the Netherlands.In several instances, drones were detected near areas associated with nuclear capabilities or storage preparations.

Analysts believe that a total of 144 incidents across more than a dozen countries may be connected to the same coordinated campaign, indicating sustained activity and a high level of operational reach by Russian intelligence.

Researchers propose that vessels may have acted as mobile relay and launch platforms, enabling drones to be deployed, recovered, and controlled at distance.

The findings highlight concerns that NATO air defence systems are not optimally configured to detect or counter small, low-altitude unmanned aerial threats.

Officials have responded by warning of stronger measures against interference, particularly around critical infrastructure such as undersea cables and military installations.

The UK government has stated that any hostile activity will carry serious consequences, amid growing concern over hybrid threats in European airspace.