Reports have emerged that the RF carried out drone strikes for the development of European missile defense

• IISS notes that a campaign to test drone targets with the “tinny” flight profile is analyzing 144 interceptors
• At the materials base, RAF Lakenheath, RAF Fairford, and bases in Belgium and the Netherlands
• According to the timeline, the company could launch a three-year trial of drones from 2024 to 2026

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has found that the Kremlin has been organizing a campaign to develop European missile defense systems using drones. The report says, in particular, that there were no interceptors fired from the air.

According to the analysis of 144 interceptors, the contract was signed at the end of 2024, with the Russian company developing the “sustained non-interceptability” missile. The material also indicates that the drones were not launched into the airspace of the relevant countries, which, according to IISS, is part of the NATO strategic planning, and that the “dark sailing” was used to avoid detection.

According to the IISS, the drones could be launched from the RAF Feltwell base in Norfolk, and from France—at the base in Britain.

According to the materials, the drones might be launched from tankers Seasons 1 into the airspace of the UK, or from the HAV Dolphin, which, according to the report, were used by the drones’ operators for testing purposes. The report also says that HAV Dolphin could be used with the drones without restrictions.

According to IISS, in 2025 the launches of drones at will be carried out. The publications also indicate that in 2025 the drones will be launched from Kleine-Brogel in Belgium and from Volkel in the Netherlands, which, according to the report, would be preceded by B-52 bombers from the United States.

In addition, the report states that the drones might be launched from “dark sailing” surveillance flights, while the ship might be used for the testing of laser weapons. The report also notes that IISS believes the campaign is aimed at developing tactics for the use of drones and at improving the effectiveness of European air defenses.

The publications also note that in 2024 drones were launched from RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, and also from RAF Fairford and RAF Feltwell, with B-52 bombers from the United States.

Tags: Russia/Europe/Politics/Aviation