Sweden’s military intercepted a suspected Russian drone near the southern coast as France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle was docked in the port of Malmö. The incident occurred on February 25, 2026, during a patrol in the Öresund Strait, which separates Sweden from Denmark.
According to Swedish defense officials, a naval vessel detected the unmanned aerial system approximately 13 kilometers from the French carrier. The drone was subsequently jammed and neutralized before it could approach the vessel. Authorities suspect the drone originated from a Russian military ship operating in the strait at the time.
Defense Minister Pål Jonson confirmed that the drone had violated Swedish airspace and suggested the timing was linked to the presence of the French carrier. He emphasized that Sweden takes such incursions seriously, particularly given heightened regional tensions and Russia’s increased military activity in northern Europe.
The Charles de Gaulle’s visit to Malmö was part of a joint naval exercise and diplomatic engagement between France and Sweden. The interception underscored the security challenges facing NATO partners and allies in the Baltic and Nordic regions, where surveillance and probing activities have intensified.
Officials said investigations are ongoing to determine the drone’s exact origin and capabilities. The incident has drawn international attention, highlighting the risks posed by unmanned systems in contested airspace and the need for coordinated defense measures among European allies.
