Russia is preparing for new drone strikes in Europe, but this time it will target Mediterranean countries: France, Spain, and even Italy. Spanish newspaper El Mundo reports that US intelligence services have gathered information on the Kremlin's escalation plans and shared it with several European governments.
"They will use sea-launched drones, hidden in containers; it's not difficult at all," explains a source close to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense.
Lithuanian authorities know the type of drone the Russians could use against Spain, France, or Italy. It would be a Gerbera: approximately two meters long, with a wingspan of 2.5 meters, weighing up to 18 kilograms, capable of reaching speeds of around 160 kilometers per hour and a declared range of 600 kilometers. A merchant ship can carry several of these drones, which are launched with much less difficulty than a Shahed or Geran. From a distance of 200 or 300 kilometers from the coast, the flight would last about an hour and fifteen minutes or two hours, depending on the actual speed.
Its small explosive payload (4-5 kg) isn't enough to destroy a large structure, but it could start a fire, damage exposed equipment, or temporarily close a port or airport. According to the map published by El Mundo, almost all of Italy would be within range.
Lithuania, like other countries, became aware of this information shortly after CIA Director John Ratcliffe's mysterious trip to Moscow on August 25.
According to sources familiar with the alert, the governments of Spain, France, and Italy were also informed that Russia was preparing a possible drone operation against one of these countries. Spain, France, and Italy, El Mundo writes, "will have electoral campaigns and elections in 2027 and host radical forces capable of exploiting fear and disillusionment with Ukraine. Especially in France and Italy, there are ties or positions clearly aligned with the Kremlin's interests."
(Unioneonline)
