Concerns Rise as Mysterious Drones Appear Near European Airports

Mon Nov 17 2025 04:49:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Unidentified drones have been increasingly spotted around airports and military sites across Europe, raising concerns about potential threats and security implications amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The unsettling presence of unidentified drones near airports and military bases across Europe has prompted fears of hybrid warfare, potentially linked to Russian activities. Discussions about proactive defense measures, including the proposed 'drone wall,' are gaining traction as governments strive to enhance aerial security amid evolving threats.

First comes the warning, that disembodied voice over the tannoy: Your attention please. Air siren in the city. Please move to the shelter on the minus second floor. Then comes the mosquito-like whine of the incoming Russian drones, massing in their hundreds just above the clouds.

This is the grim reality of night time in Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine. These are attack drones that explode on impact. Drones are now an integral part of modern warfare, but they are not confined to the battlefield.

Across western Europe, far from Ukraine, unarmed drones have also been found buzzing around airports, military bases, and power plants, all part of a suspected programme of hybrid warfare being waged by Russia. There is speculation that these drones are testing the resilience of NATO countries supporting Ukraine.

Recent sightings in Poland and various locations around critical infrastructure, including Belgium and Denmark, have raised alarms. This led to talks about establishing a drone wall to protect parts of Europe. Discussions are underway about its necessity and practicality as NATO countries grapple with specific threats from unmanned aerial systems.

On September 9, around 20 Russian drones crossed into Poland, leading to the closure of four airports. This marked a significant incident of airspace violation and ignited debates about the effectiveness of NATO air defenses.

Officials and analysts believe that the emerging drone wall project, aimed at fortifying air defenses, is crucial but may not offer a complete solution. The challenges of protecting vast territories with varying types of threats complicate the implementation of such defense systems.

Additionally, the mysterious anonymous drones appearing in Western Europe, including Belgium near NATO headquarters, pose surveillance and security risks. Suspicions suggest they may be a tactic of using proxies to create confusion and disrupt daily operations. Yet, it remains challenging to pinpoint their origins and intended purposes.

The conversation also brings to light whether Europe should prioritize countermeasures against drone incursions or take measures directly against the launcher bases themselves to fully mitigate risks from these aerial threats.