parks
Russia waged a drone campaign in Europe and likely launched drones from shadow ships, report says
By Emma Burrows, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 7 min read
Russia likely used shadow ships to launch drones over Europe that repeatedly disrupted civilian aviation, as it monitored military sites and tested the air defenses of NATO nations, according to a report published Thursday by the International Institute of Strategic Studies think tank.The report,...
Key takeaway The report, which was shared before publication with The Associated Press, plotted 144 suspected drone sightings across Europe, including in NATO members Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, the U.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The drone campaign in Europe has significant implications for San Antonio , given the city's role in military operations and its proximity to major airbases. As a major hub for military aviation, San Antonio's airspace is already heavily regulated, and the threat of drone incursions could lead to increased security measures. This could impact local air traffic, including at San Antonio International Airport, and potentially disrupt civilian aviation. Furthermore, the city's defense industry, which is a significant contributor to the local economy, may need to adapt to the emerging threat of low-flying drones that can evade traditional air defenses. The fact that drones can be launched from shadow ships or inside national borders raises concerns about the vulnerability of San Antonio's own airspace and the need for enhanced surveillance and response capabilities.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Russia likely used shadow ships to launch drones over Europe that repeatedly disrupted civilian aviation, as it monitored military sites and tested the air defenses of NATO nations, according to a report published Thursday by the International Institute of Strategic Studies think tank.The report,...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emma Burrows, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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