AustriaAccording to a report by the British think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Russia conducted a drone campaign over a period of one-and-a-half years targeting 13 NATO countries, including airports, military bases, and facilities related to nuclear participation. The drones were launched from Russian shadow fleet tankers, coastal freighters, and smaller watercraft. The IISS analyzed 144 incidents between August 2024 and February 2026, noting a clear pattern despite not all incidents being confirmed as originating from Moscow. Western governments have yet to officially confirm these claims. The campaign reportedly aimed to gather intelligence due to increased reliance on drone-collected data since the start of the war in Ukraine and the expulsion of many Russian diplomats. It also tested the responsiveness of NATO states, revealing weaknesses in European air defense systems still focused on traditional threats. Germany was most affected, with 58 incidents, including six unexplained cases over U.S. Air Force Base Ramstein and German military sites. Belgium followed with 25 incidents, including attacks on the Kleine-Brogel air base housing nuclear weapons. Over
Bias read (Center): The article presents findings from an independent think tank without overtly favoring any side. It reports on alleged Russian actions and NATO responses neutrally, citing the IISS report and noting that no Western government has officially confirmed the claims. The framing remains balanced, focusing
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 88): This article closely mirrors the first and provides similar factual content. It maintains objectivity by presenting the IISS report as the main source and does not introduce new claims. The mention of Germany being most affected aligns with the original report but lacks additional context.
