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Russia Conducts Extensive Drone Espionage on NATO Nuclear Bases Using Oil Tankers
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
50% center
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First reported by Ynet · 18 hours ago
What happened
Russia conducted a covert drone espionage campaign using disguised oil tankers to spy on NATO's nuclear bases in Europe from 2024 to 2026. The drones penetrated air defenses undetected, exposing critical security gaps and prompting NATO to reconsider its defense strategies against hybrid threats.
- 01Russia used old oil tankers as mobile launch platforms for miniature drones spying on NATO nuclear bases.
- 02From August 2024 to February 2026, 144 drone incursions occurred over 13 European countries without interception.
- 03Key targets included RAF Lakenheath (UK), Île Longue (France), and air bases in Belgium and the Netherlands.
- 04NATO's air defenses failed to detect or intercept the small drones exploiting system vulnerabilities.
- 05Poland and the US are establishing military bases in response, while some countries seek advanced air defense systems.
- 06The operation sent a psychological message exposing NATO's vulnerability to hybrid warfare tactics.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
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