Russian Drone Intercepted Near French Aircraft Carrier During NATO Exercise
Swedish armed forces intercepted and jammed a Russian drone operating near the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while the vessel was visiting Malmö, Sweden, on February 27, 2026. The incident occurred during a routine NATO exercise and prompted a response from the Swedish Navy, which escorted a Russian intelligence vessel away from Swedish territorial waters.
Drone Incident Details
The drone, launched from the Russian signals intelligence ship Zhigulevsk, was detected approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the Charles de Gaulle in the Öresund Strait. Swedish forces utilized electronic warfare to disrupt the drone’s operation, effectively jamming its signal and causing it to lose contact as reported by Le Monde.
Russian Vessel Monitored
Prior to the drone incident, the Swedish Navy vessel Rapp monitored the Zhigulevsk as it transited through the Öresund Strait, ensuring adherence to international transit rules. Following the drone jamming, the Zhigulevsk was escorted out of Swedish territorial waters and proceeded into the Baltic Sea according to the Associated Press.
Official Statements
Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson indicated that the drone “probably” originated from Russia, given the proximity of the Zhigulevsk at the time of the incident as cited by Le Monde. Eva Skoog Haslum, head of the Swedish armed forces’ operational command, described the incident as a “serious” violation of Swedish airspace and emphasized the professionalism of the Swedish response as reported by Defcon Alerts.
Context of the Visit
The Charles de Gaulle’s visit to Malmö, beginning on February 24, 2026, was part of planned NATO exercise activities and included bilateral meetings between French and Swedish officials, including French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson as detailed by the Associated Press. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the Baltic Sea region.
Russian Response
Russia has dismissed the allegations, calling them “absurd” according to France24.