At least seven mystery drones were spotted near Switzerland's Gösgen nuclear power plant late on July 15, 2026, prompting a significant police response. The drones were observed around 10:30 p.m. local time and reported by a resident. Despite the incursion, the plant's head of communications stated that the threat posed by the drones was 'negligible,' and the safety of the facility was not compromised. A no-fly zone is already in place around the plant, as is standard for such critical infrastructure.
Spate of Drone Sightings Across Europe
The incident at Gösgen is part of a broader pattern of mysterious drone activity across Europe, including over military barracks and airfields. In recent months, numerous drone sightings have been reported near sensitive sites, raising concerns about espionage and potential sabotage. The identity of those behind the drones remains unclear, but a report from the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) earlier this month linked similar incursions to Russian shadow fleet vessels.
Russian Shadow Fleet Suspected
The IISS report found that Vladimir Putin's shadow fleet ships had launched drones and covert UAVs across Britain and Europe, targeting airports, bases, and nuclear sites. Affected locations included RAF Fairford, Feltwell, Lakenheath, and Mildenhall in the UK, as well as dozens of sites across continental Europe. The report stated: 'We assess it is likely that Russian-linked vessels and the 'shadow fleet' were used as launch or recovery platforms for UAVs as part of the Kremlin's wider unconventional war on Europe.' Since 2024, mystery drone sightings have plagued airports, military bases, and civilian areas, as Russia increasingly tests the limits of its surveillance capabilities.
Mapping Air Defense Gaps
The IISS further warned that 'the Kremlin was likely able to map reaction times, coverage gaps and limitations across European integrated air defences.' The drones spied on critical infrastructure to prepare for a 'decisive opening operation in high-intensity conflict.' In addition to drone incursions, cyber threats and other foreign interference have been attributed to Russian actors. In late 2024, Recorded Future News reported that a record number of incidents impacted the UK's critical drinking water supplies, though these were not officially disclosed. Between August 2023 and March 2024, 46,000 flights in areas such as the Baltic, Black Sea, and eastern Mediterranean logged interference issues believed to be due to Russian activity.
