Surge in drone incursions over critical European infrastructure

European security agencies have raised alarms following a series of unauthorized drone flights over critical infrastructure, including major airports, military bases, and nuclear facilities. The urgency follows a specific incident at Leipzig Airport involving an armed drone and an unknown object, as well as the discovery of a maritime drone in Greek waters capable of causing extensive damage. These events have sparked fears regarding potential espionage and sabotage operations across the continent.

According to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), at least 144 serious drone incidents were documented across more than 12 European countries between August 2024 and February 2026. Experts express particular concern that many flights targeted facilities housing U.S. nuclear weapons or sensitive energy production sites. While intelligence agencies have issued warnings regarding possible Russian involvement in these hybrid warfare operations, authorities are currently struggling to formally identify the operators behind the incursions. The situation has forced European security officials to assess the continent's readiness to defend against such persistent security threats, with ongoing investigations attempting to mitigate future risks to national infrastructure.