US intelligence agencies have gathered intelligence indicating that Russia is preparing a maritime drone escalation targeting Mediterranean nations including Italy, France, and Spain, according to reports published by the Spanish daily El Mundo. The operation reportedly involves launching container-hidden drones from commercial vessels.
Maritime Drone Operations Targeting Mediterranean Ports
The Kremlin’s planned escalation relies on covert deployment tactics designed to avoid detection. According to a source close to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense cited by El Mundo, Russian forces intend to utilize sea-launched drones concealed inside standard shipping containers, noting that “it’s not difficult at all.”
Lithuanian authorities have identified the specific hardware likely to be deployed in these operations as the Gerbera drone. As reported by ANSA, the Gerbera measures roughly two meters in length with a wingspan of 2.5 meters, weighing up to 18 kilograms. The aircraft boasts a cruising speed of approximately 160 kilometers per hour and a declared range of 600 kilometers.
Unlike larger Shahed or Geran munitions, multiple Gerbera units can be packed aboard a standard merchant vessel for launch at sea. Operating from a distance of 200 to 300 kilometers off a target coastline, a drone flight would take between an hour and fifteen minutes to two hours. While its 4-to-5-kilogram explosive payload lacks the mass to demolish major infrastructure, security analysts warn it can spark fires, ruin exposed equipment, or force temporary closures of commercial ports and regional airports.
Maps published alongside the El Mundo report indicate that nearly the entirety of Italy—with the sole exception of the Northeast—falls directly within the operational range of these sea-borne platforms.
Intelligence Sharing Following CIA Director’s Moscow Trip
European governments received these threat briefings shortly after a clandestine visit to Moscow by CIA Director John Ratcliffe on August 25. Lithuania, alongside intelligence services in Spain, France, and Italy, was briefed on the unfolding Kremlin contingency plans.
El Mundo analysis links the timing of the potential Mediterranean operations to the political calendar, noting that Spain, France, and Italy all face national elections and electoral campaigns in 2027. The reporting highlights that these nations harbor radical political factions capable of exploiting public fear and growing disillusionment regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Furthermore, the report underscores that France and Italy maintain political movements and historical ties clearly aligned with Kremlin interests.
Political Reactions and Regional Spillovers
The disclosures have triggered immediate political demands for transparency within the Italian parliament. Lia Quartapelle, vice president of the Chamber of Foreign Affairs Commission and a Democratic Party lawmaker, called on the national government to address the reports directly. “The news of a possible Russian drone attack against Italy deserves an immediate clarification by the government,” Quartapelle stated. “Is this founded news? What is the government doing, together with other European countries, to protect us from these risks?”
Moldovan President Maia Sandu reported via social media that a massive Russian strike against Ukraine triggered a spillover into Moldovan airspace. According to Sandu, four Russian drones crossed the border on a single morning, with at least one detonating in the northern part of the country. “Russia’s war endangers all of Europe,” Sandu wrote, reaffirming Moldova’s solidarity with Ukraine.
Did You Know?
Containerized drone launches allow operators to covertly deploy drones near target coasts aboard unmarked commercial freighters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries are targeted by the reported Russian maritime drone plans?
According to intelligence details published by El Mundo, the planned escalation targets Mediterranean nations, specifically Italy, France, and Spain.
What type of drone would Russia use for these attacks?
Lithuanian defense sources identified the Gerbera drone—a 2-meter aircraft weighing up to 18 kg with a 4-to-5-kilogram explosive payload—as the munition designated for these operations.
How are these drones launched from the sea?
Intelligence reports indicate the drones are concealed inside standard shipping containers aboard merchant vessels, allowing them to be launched covertly within 200 to 300 kilometers of a target coast.
How did European governments learn of the threat?
United States intelligence gathered the plans and shared the warnings with European allies shortly after CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow on August 25.
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