U.S. intelligence has reportedly warned European governments that Russia may be preparing a drone operation against Spain, France or Italy, potentially launching small explosive-laden aircraft from merchant ships in the Mediterranean.
The warning describes a scenario in which drones could be concealed aboard commercial vessels and launched from international waters toward targets hundreds of kilometers away, according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
The aircraft identified in the intelligence is reportedly the Gerbera, a relatively small Russian drone approximately two meters long with a wingspan of about 2.5 meters. It can weigh up to 18 kilograms, reach speeds of roughly 160 kilometers per hour, and has a reported maximum range of about 600 kilometers, depending on its payload and other conditions.
Unlike larger Shahed-type attack drones, the Gerbera could potentially be transported aboard an ordinary merchant vessel and launched using a relatively simple catapult system. A ship positioned 200 to 300 kilometers offshore could theoretically put targets along Europe's Mediterranean coast within reach.
The drone's relatively small explosive payload, reportedly around four to five kilograms, means such an operation would be unlikely to cause the destruction associated with a missile strike. Instead, analysts say an attack could be designed to disrupt an airport or port, ignite a fire, damage exposed equipment or demonstrate that Russia can reach targets deep inside NATO territory.
The reported warning comes weeks after CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unusual trip to Moscow on August 25. Ratcliffe traveled to Russia to warn Moscow against attacking NATO countries amid U.S. intelligence concerns that the Kremlin could attempt a limited operation designed to test the alliance's response.
The Kremlin said Ratcliffe held contacts with Russian security officials and did not meet President Vladimir Putin. President Donald Trump subsequently described the visit as "semi-routine." France, Spain and Italy were reportedly informed about the possibility of an operation against one of the three countries.
President Emmanuel Macron's government ordered increased vigilance against Russian hybrid attacks and preparations for protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive defense-industrial sites from drones and cyberattacks. Macron discussed the threat with French political leaders at the Élysée Palace on Sept. 18.
There is, however, no public confirmation that Russia has made a final decision to conduct such an attack. Italy's defense minister, Guido Crosetto, pushed back Thursday against the reports, saying the alarm concerning possible attacks on Italy, Spain and France had not been confirmed through Italian operational, intelligence, diplomatic or military channels.
The warning comes amid mounting European concern about Russian sabotage, cyber operations and drone activity outside Ukraine. British Russia analyst Keir Giles told El Mundo that geographic distance from Russia should not be interpreted as protection for countries such as Spain. "It's not necessarily the frontline countries that will be targeted. The target will be wherever Europe's weakest point is," he said.
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