Дрон "Гербера". Фото: ГПСУ
The CIA has warned several European governments of a possible Russian attack involving drones against Spain, France or Italy. The Spanish newspaper El Mundo reports this, citing sources familiar with the contents of the warning.
The warning concerns the possible launch of drones from civilian vessels in the Mediterranean Sea. A source close to Lithuania’s Ministry of Defence told El Mundo that Russia could use Gerbera drones concealed in containers on merchant ships for this purpose.
According to the publication, Russia could launch drones from merchant ships in the Mediterranean Sea. A source close to Lithuania’s Ministry of Defence said that Gerbera drones transported in containers could be used for this purpose. Their range can reach 600 km. The Gerbera, with a wingspan of 2.5 meters and a speed of 160 km/h, cannot destroy a large target, but it could damage equipment, cause a fire or lead to the temporary closure of an airport or port.
“The main objective of an operation involving Gerberas launched from a merchant ship would not necessarily be to cause large-scale destruction. With an explosive charge weighing around four or five kilograms, such a device would be more useful for shutting down an airport, starting a fire, flying over a military facility or demonstrating that Russia is capable of striking Europe’s rear areas,” the publication writes.
According to the publication, European governments received the information after CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Moscow on Aug. 25. The contents of his talks were not officially disclosed.
El Mundo claims that the governments of Spain, France and Italy received warnings of a possible attack. The choice of these countries may be explained by their political situation and the elections scheduled for 2027.