Feb 27 • 08:57 UTC 🇺🇦 Ukraine Kyiv Independent

Sweden intercepts suspected Russian drone approaching French aircraft carrier

Sweden's military intercepted a suspected Russian drone near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which was docked in Malmo.

On February 25, Sweden's military took action to jam a suspected Russian drone that was flying towards the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, docked in Malmo. According to reports from Swedish public broadcaster SVT, Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson indicated that the drone likely belonged to Russia and had breached Swedish airspace, suggesting a possible connection to a Russian military vessel operating in the nearby Oresund strait. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region amid the war in Ukraine and Russian military activities in European waters.

The Charles de Gaulle is the flagship of the French Navy, and it had arrived in Malmo on February 24 as part of NATO exercises known as Lafayette 26, aimed at enhancing deterrence and defense capabilities within the alliance. Sweden's interception of the drone adds to a series of recent unauthorized drone sightings and aerial incursions attributed to Russian forces across Europe. Western officials are increasingly viewing these incidents as part of a broader pattern of hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia since the Ukraine conflict escalated.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, Sweden's response reflects its commitment to maintaining airspace security and responding to potential threats. The presence of the Charles de Gaulle serves to underline NATO's deterrence strategy in the face of rising Russian aggression. This event is not only relevant for Sweden and France but also has implications for the overall security framework in Europe, as countries remain vigilant against possible hybrid threats linked to Russian military maneuvers.

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