Russian Drone Jammed Near French Aircraft Carrier in Swedish Waters

Swedish forces intercepted and jammed a Russian drone operating near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while it was docked in Malmö, Sweden, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The incident, which occurred approximately 13 kilometers (7 nautical miles) from the carrier, is being described as a serious violation of Swedish territory by Defense Minister Pål Jonson.

Incident Details

According to statements from both French and Swedish armed forces, the drone was detected during a maritime patrol by the Swedish Navy in the Öresund Strait. Swedish forces deployed countermeasures to disrupt the drone, ultimately losing contact with the device as reported by Le Monde.

Defense Minister Jonson indicated that the drone likely originated from a Russian naval vessel in the vicinity at the time of the incident as confirmed by the BBC. Specifically, the drone was observed taking off from the Russian spy ship Zhigulevsk according to USNI News.

Colonel Guillaume Vernet, a spokesperson for the French General Staff, stated that the Swedish countermeasures “worked perfectly” and did not disrupt operations aboard the Charles de Gaulle as reported by Defense News.

Russian Response and NATO Exercises

A Kremlin spokesperson has dismissed the Swedish claims as “absurd” according to the BBC. However, the incident occurs amidst heightened tensions and increased reports of drone activity near military sites and airports across NATO countries, including Denmark and the Baltic states.

The Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group was in Malmö for a port call before participating in NATO exercises in the region. The carrier is equipped with Rafale fighter jets and reconnaissance planes, but relies on host nations for defense while in their territorial waters as noted by the BBC.

Swedish Response and Future Measures

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, alongside French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, visited the Charles de Gaulle on Friday, February 27, 2026, to discuss the incident. While describing the event as serious but not unexpected, Kristersson did not rule out the possibility of further measures in response to the violation as reported by the BBC. The incident is currently under investigation to determine if Swedish airspace was breached.