Russia Uses Drones to Probe Weak Spots in Europe’s Air Defenses — Bundeswehr General

Russia systematically uses drones to conduct reconnaissance of air defense systems in Europe and identify their vulnerabilities that can be exploited, stated General Carsten Breuer, Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

According to him, Russia is also trying to destabilize European governments and institutions.

“Hybrid attacks are taking place every day in NATO countries, especially those on the alliance’s eastern flank. Russia is testing us and looking at how we respond so it can refine its tactics for a future conflict,” – said Breuer.

The German general noted that Moscow is already transforming its economy and military in preparation for a broader conflict with the West, even as the war against Ukraine continues.

U.S. intelligence believes that Russia may attempt to test NATO’s readiness for collective defense by launching an attack on one of the Alliance’s member countries between this fall and 2029.

U.S. officials are considering various scenarios – from cyberattacks and hybrid operations to a localized invasion into the territory of a NATO member state on the alliance’s eastern flank.

Previously, the U.S. believed that Putin would not provoke a NATO member country as long as Russia continued its military operations in Ukraine. However, that assessment changed earlier this year.

UAVs Over Europe

In recent years, various European countries have reported sightings of unidentified UAVs, particularly near or over military facilities and critical infrastructure.

Last week, six drone flights were detected over the Bundeswehr base where maintenance and repairs of the Patriot air defense systems are carried out.

Last November, the Dutch military opened fire on drones that were spotted over Volkel Air Base in the eastern part of the country. The following month, two F-35 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept a UAV that had entered Dutch airspace.

Also, in November 2025, three ‘large’ unidentified UAVs were spotted over the Kleine-Brogel Air Base in Belgium, where B61 nuclear bombs are stored. Following the incident, the country’s armed forces were ordered to shoot down any unidentified drones flying over military facilities. Meanwhile, German military units arrived in Belgium to assist in combating the unidentified UAVs.