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The map published by the Spanish newspaper EL MUNDO
Russia is preparing for new drone attacks in Europe, but this time it will target Mediterranean countries: France, Spain and also Italy. The Spanish newspaper El Mundo writes this, according to which the US secret services have collected information on the Kremlin’s escalation plans and shared it with several European governments.
«They will use drones launched from the sea, 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: about 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 with a declared autonomy of 600 kilometers. A merchant ship can carry several of these drones, which are launched with much less difficulty than a Shahed or a Geran. From a distance of 200 or 300 kilometers from the coast, the flight would take about an hour and fifteen minutes or two hours, depending on the actual speed. Its small explosive load (4-5 kg) is not enough to destroy a large structure, but it can start a fire, damage exposed equipment or temporarily close a port or airport.
All of Italy would be within range
According to the map published by El Mundo, all of Italy – with the exception of the North-East – 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, writes El Mundo, “will have electoral campaigns and elections in 2027 and host radical forces capable of exploiting fear and disillusionment towards Ukraine. Especially in France and Italy, there are links or positions clearly aligned with the interests of the Kremlin.”
The alert on drone attacks did not reach the Italian authorities
According to qualified sources contacted by ANSA, the alleged alert reported by El Mundo regarding an imminent drone attack against Italy, France and Spain by the Russian Federation has not currently reached any operational, intelligence, diplomatic or military level.
EU: “There is no specific alert but the news is not surprising”
The European Commission has seen reports of a possible threat of Russian drone attacks against Italy, France and Spain and says it is “not a surprise”, but says it was not aware of the specific alert. «We know that our airspace is being tested and has been violated several times. We know that several hybrid attacks are underway targeting many of our member states”, declared spokesman Thomas Regnier, underlining that the issue “is a matter for national authorities”, but Brussels has “long experience of supporting states in case of need”.