Analysis of Russian Drone Operations in European Airspace (2024-2026)
俄羅斯在歐洲領空進行無人機行動的分析 (2024-2026)
Introduction
A report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) shows that Russia carried out a planned drone campaign against several NATO members and Ireland over an 18-month period.
國際戰略研究所 (IISS) 的一份報告顯示，俄羅斯在 18 個月期間，針對幾個北約成員國及愛爾蘭策劃了一次無人機行動。
Main Body
The IISS report documented 144 suspected drone entries into foreign airspace between August 2024 and February 2026, mostly in Germany, Belgium, and Denmark. The report suggests that the Russian government used 'shadow fleet' ships—secret tankers used to avoid sanctions—as bases to launch and recover these drones. This method allowed the drones to enter sovereign airspace without causing a full military response from NATO. Furthermore, evidence from the ship Boracay showed the presence of Russian private military contractors, which indicates that the GRU likely organized the use of these ships for military purposes.
IISS 報告記錄了在 2024 年 8 月至 2026 年 2 月之間，有 144 次疑似無人機進入外國領空，主要集中在德國、比利時和丹麥。報告指出，俄羅斯政府利用「影子船隊」——即用來規避制裁的秘密油輪——作為這些無人機的發射與回收基地。這種方法讓無人機能進入主權領空，而不會觸發北約的全面軍事反應。此外，來自 Boracay 號船隻的證據顯示有俄羅斯私人軍事承包商在場，這表明 GRU 很可能組織利用這些船隻用於軍事目的。
These operations focused on critical infrastructure and military sites. For example, drones were spotted over a submarine base in France and airbases in the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands that hold U.S. nuclear weapons. Additionally, the campaign was used to study logistics, test radar systems, and cause economic damage by temporarily closing commercial airports in Spain, Germany, and Denmark. The IISS emphasized that European air defenses failed to stop these cheap, low-flying drones because their systems are designed to stop faster, traditional aircraft.
這些行動聚焦於關鍵基礎設施與軍事地點。例如，在法國的潛艇基地，以及英國、比利時和荷蘭存放美國核武器的空軍基地上空發現了無人機。此外，這次行動也被用於研究物流、測試雷達系統，並透過暫時關閉西班牙、德國和丹麥的商業機場來造成經濟損失。IISS 強調，歐洲防空系統未能攔截這些廉價且低空飛行的無人機，因為其系統設計是用於攔截速度較快、傳統的飛機。
At the same time, Russian forces have deployed similar technology in the Sahel region of Africa. In Mali, the Africa Corps has used Lancet and Zala Z-16 drones to attack insurgent groups. While the Lancet was originally created for the war in Ukraine to destroy armored vehicles, its use in Mali shows how combat technology is being moved from Eastern Europe to Africa. Moreover, the Garpiya-A1, a long-range attack drone based on Iranian designs, has also been seen in the region.
與此同時，俄羅斯軍方在非洲薩赫爾地區部署了類似技術。在馬利，非洲軍團 (Africa Corps) 使用 Lancet 和 Zala Z-16 無人機攻擊叛軍。雖然 Lancet 最初是為烏克蘭戰爭摧毀裝甲車而設計，但其在馬利的應用顯示了戰鬥技術如何從東歐轉移到非洲。此外，基於伊朗設計的長程攻擊無人機 Garpiya-A1 也在該地區被發現。
Conclusion
In conclusion, NATO air defenses have a clear weakness, and several European countries are now working to improve their ability to detect and stop drones.
總結來說，北約的防空系統有明顯弱點，目前有幾個歐洲國家正致力於提高偵測與攔截無人機的能力。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 The Power of 'Logical Connectors'
To move from A2 (Basic) to B2 (Upper Intermediate), you must stop writing sentences like a list. A2 students use and, but, and because. B2 students use Complex Connectors to show how ideas relate.
Look at these specific triggers from the text:
1. Adding a 'Stronger' Point Instead of saying 'Also', the text uses:
*"Furthermore, evidence from the ship Boracay showed..." *"Moreover, the Garpiya-A1... has also been seen..."
Coach's Tip: Use Furthermore or Moreover when you want to add a point that is even more important than the previous one. It makes you sound academic and professional.
2. Showing a Contrast or Unexpected Result Instead of 'But', the text uses:
*"While the Lancet was originally created for the war in Ukraine... its use in Mali shows..."
Coach's Tip: While at the start of a sentence doesn't always mean 'at the same time.' Here, it creates a bridge between two opposite facts (Ukraine vs. Mali). This is a classic B2 structure.
3. Showing a Logical Conclusion Instead of 'So', the text uses:
*"In conclusion, NATO air defenses have a clear weakness..."
🛠️ Vocabulary Upgrade: 'Action' Verbs
Notice how the text describes movement and organization. Avoid simple verbs like 'did' or 'put'. Replace them with these high-impact alternatives found in the report:
- Carried out (Instead of 'did') "Russia carried out a planned drone campaign."
- Deployed (Instead of 'sent' or 'put') "Russian forces have deployed similar technology."
- Documented (Instead of 'wrote down') "The report documented 144 suspected drone entries."
B2 Challenge: Next time you describe a project at work or school, don't say 'I did a task'; say 'I carried out a task'. Your fluency level will instantly feel higher.