New drone sightings off two European coasts spark investigations

Investigations are ongoing in Ireland and France following two separate drone encounters this week near each countrys coastline. On Monday evening, multiple drones were spotted off Dublins coast just as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys plane approached for his first formal visit to Ireland. On Thursday evening, several drones appeared near a French Atlantic naval base that hosts nuclear ballistic missile submarines, local prosecutors reported.

These events are part of a growing pattern of unexplained drone activity across Europe since September. Some drones have interfered with commercial flights, while others have been seen near military bases and sensitive installations. European authorities suspect Russia may be linked to some of these occurrences, although no drones have been captured or shot down so far. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed allegations of Moscows involvement.

French prosecutors confirmed that the drones near the Ile Longue submarine base in northwestern France were not intercepted and their operators remain unidentified. The origin of the drones is still unknown. Prosecutor Frederic Teillet told AFP that no connection to foreign interference has been established at this time. French marines employed a jammer to deter the drones, according to Teillet. French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin told TF1, An inquiry is in progress to clarify the purpose of this overflight.

Drone operations are prohibited on the Crozon peninsula, which hosts the submarine base and other military infrastructure. Irish authorities have provided few details about Mondays sightings, stating that a special detective unit is investigating in coordination with the Defence Forces and international security partners.

Ukrainian sources indicated that officials were informed of the drone activity, but no measures were necessary. Adviser Dmytro Lytvyn said, The host side is responsible for security. According to their data, these drones did not impact the visit, and no changes were required.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the recent drone events as part of hybrid warfare. Earlier, Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen noted that, while the responsible party remains uncertain, Russia represents the primary threat to European security. Many drone sightings have occurred near the Baltic and other European coastlines, raising concerns that Russian vessels might be used as launch platforms.

Reports have linked some drone activity to a Russian ship, the Boracay, which was near Copenhagen in September when drone activity forced airport closures. The vessel was later boarded by French authorities, and its Chinese captain faced charges for failing to prove the ships nationality and for not following orders.

Author: Harper Simmons