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Sweden intercepts suspected Russian drone near French aircraft carrier

Feb 27, 2026, 10:13 AM20
(Update: Feb 27, 2026, 11:34 AM)
country in Northern Europe
sovereign state in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia
citizens or residents of France

Sweden intercepts suspected Russian drone near French aircraft carrier

  • Sweden's military observed and intercepted a suspected Russian drone off its southern coast during NATO exercises with a French aircraft carrier.
  • Defense Minister Pål Jonson indicated that there is likely a connection between the drone and a Russian naval vessel present in the area.
  • This incident adds to ongoing concerns regarding Russia's military presence and activities near NATO allies in Europe.
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In Sweden, the military intercepted a drone suspected to be Russian while a French aircraft carrier was docked in Malmö. This incident occurred as the Charles de Gaulle, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, was present in the port as part of NATO exercises. Swedish officials stated that during a patrol in the Öresund Strait, a Swedish naval ship detected and disrupted the drone, which subsequently lost contact. The Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson implied a connection between the drone and a nearby Russian naval vessel that was operating in Swedish territorial waters. While the matter was being investigated, Jonson expressed skepticism about the drone's origins, highlighting Russia's patterns of military activity in the region. The interception occurred 10 kilometers away from the aircraft carrier, which had already demonstrated resilience against the potential threat. The French military corroborated that the operational activities of the carrier were not disrupted by the incident, underscoring the effectiveness of the security measures in place. This incident is part of a broader context as NATO allies have increasingly reported drone sightings close to military installations, emphasizing ongoing concerns about Russian military provocations in Europe. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the claims linking the drone to Russia, calling them 'absurd.' The incident highlights the increasing tensions in European airspace and the ongoing reconnaissance strategies employed by Russian forces, particularly as NATO seeks to bolster its presence and readiness in response to regional threats. Furthermore, the return of the Charles de Gaulle in Swedish waters signifies a shift in military cooperation in Northern Europe, with events like this fueling discussions on military readiness and the implications of drone operations in conflict zones.

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