Feb 28 • 05:46 UTC 🇪🇪 Estonia ERR

Sweden confirms drone that followed French aircraft carrier has Russian origins

Sweden has confirmed that a drone, which was spotted near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, originated from Russia and was conducting unauthorized flights.

Swedish armed forces announced on Friday that a drone spotted flying near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle was indeed of Russian origin, as the government had suspected. This incident, which occurred during the aircraft carrier's visit to Malmö, was initially detected by one of Sweden's naval vessels monitoring the area. The Swedish government highlighted the significance of this situation in terms of unauthorized military activity within its airspace.

According to reports, the drone was launched from a Russian signals intelligence vessel named Zhigulevsk, confirming that it was operating without permission. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson commented on social media about the incident, categorizing it as a violation of Sweden's airspace regulations. The occurrence raised concerns about security protocols during such international military operations and the implications of foreign military surveillance near national borders.

This revelation adds to ongoing tensions between NATO countries, particularly in the context of heightened military activities in the Baltic Sea region. The incident further emphasizes the need for vigilance and enhanced security cooperation among neighboring countries, as military engagements and surveillance activities escalate amid geopolitically sensitive environments. Sweden's swift acknowledgment of the drone's origin underlines its commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity and responding to foreign incursions with due diligence.

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