Russian Drone Intercepted Near French Aircraft Carrier During NATO Exercise

Swedish armed forces intercepted and neutralized a Russian drone operating near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while the vessel was docked in Malmö, Sweden, on Friday, February 27, 2026. The incident occurred during a visit for planned NATO exercises in the region, raising concerns about potential Russian interference and prompting a swift response from Swedish authorities.

Drone Spotted and Jammed

The Swedish military detected the drone approximately seven nautical miles (13 kilometers) from the Charles de Gaulle. According to the Swedish Armed Forces, the drone was launched from the Russian signals intelligence vessel Zhigulevsk. Swedish forces employed electronic warfare measures to jam the drone, disrupting its operation and preventing it from gathering further information. Source

Kremlin Denies Involvement

Despite the Swedish military’s confirmation, a Kremlin spokesperson has dismissed the claims as “absurd.” Source

NATO Exercises and Increased Vigilance

The Charles de Gaulle’s visit to Sweden marks the first time the French aircraft carrier has docked in the country. The carrier is scheduled to participate in upcoming NATO exercises, highlighting increased military cooperation in the region. The incident underscores a broader pattern of drone sightings near military sites and airports across Northern Europe, including previous reports in Denmark and the Baltic states. Source An investigation was launched in December following drone activity over the Île Longue naval base in France, home to the country’s nuclear ballistic submarines. Source

Swedish Response and Condemnation

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson stated the incident constituted a violation of Sweden’s airspace and access regulations, describing it as “serious and irresponsible.” Source Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, speaking onboard the Charles de Gaulle, acknowledged the seriousness of the event but indicated it was not entirely unexpected. Source

Technical Details and Jamming Technology

Jamming technology disrupts the radio signals between a drone and its operator, often causing the drone to crash or turn into disabled. Source The fate of the drone following the jamming remains unclear, though the Russian vessel Zhigulevsk reportedly continued towards the Baltic Sea. Source

Distance from Carrier

According to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, the drone was more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Charles de Gaulle. Source