15. December 2025
Drones Of War: German Students Uncover Russian Freighters As Mobile Drone Launch Platforms
The recent revelation that seven journalism students have successfully tracked and exposed Russian-crewed freighters operating as mobile drone launch platforms in European waters has shed new light on the long-standing issue of drones being used for military reconnaissance. The investigation began with the analysis of publicly available ship-tracking tools, which revealed three suspect vessels operating in the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
The students then obtained classified reports from Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) that provided further details on the systematic aerial reconnaissance operations being carried out by these ships. According to the BKA reports, there have been over 1,000 drone incidents involving 1,955 drones in 2025, with 45% of these incidents occurring in the evening hours.
The reports also reveal that in 29 cases, drone pilots were identified, while in 88% of cases, authorities were unable to identify the type of drone being used. The investigation found that the drones were being operated over military installations, airports, and critical infrastructure, with several instances reported near Munich Airport, which was forced to shut down twice due to professional military surveillance platforms.
The students discovered that Russia’s state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, had designed drones for ship-based operations, which were capable of launching and landing on ships. The investigation’s findings have significant implications for European security, as they suggest that Russia is using drones to gather intelligence on NATO installations and critical infrastructure.
The fact that these drones are being operated from Russian-crewed freighters sailing openly in European waters raises concerns about the vulnerability of NATO’s defenses. The students’ success in exposing this operation highlights the importance of citizen journalism and the role that ordinary people can play in holding those in power accountable.
Their investigation demonstrates that with access to publicly available data and a bit of creativity, it is possible to uncover information that intelligence agencies have missed. However, the incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of NATO’s counter-drone measures. The alliance has been criticized for its slow response to the crisis, with many arguing that it needs to adopt more effective counter-drone technologies to protect its members’ airspace.
The European Union has proposed a €140+ billion “drone wall” defense system to track and destroy unauthorized UAVs, but this initiative remains stalled due to control disputes between France and Germany. The proposal highlights the need for coordinated strategies to protect airports and other key assets from drone interference.
In light of these developments, it is clear that the European security landscape is evolving rapidly, with drones becoming increasingly sophisticated threats emerging. As such, it is essential that governments and industry invest in counter-drone technologies capable of distinguishing between “friendly” and “unfriendly” drones in real-time to ensure that recreational flying becomes effectively impossible in large swaths of airspace.
The recent incidents at Copenhagen Airport and Oslo Airport demonstrate how unauthorized drone operations can disrupt civilian air traffic and trigger security responses. The proposed “drone wall” across Europe suggests authorities are moving toward shoot-first policies, which could have unintended consequences.
As the European security landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that governments and industry invest in effective counter-drone technologies to ensure the safety of civilians and the security of critical infrastructure. The recent incidents at Copenhagen Airport and Oslo Airport demonstrate how crucial this investment is.
The incident also highlights the need for greater transparency and cooperation between governments and industry to address the growing threat of drones. The proposed “drone wall” defense system is a step in the right direction, but it requires coordination and support from all stakeholders to be effective.
In conclusion, the revelation that seven journalism students have exposed Russian-crewed freighters operating as mobile drone launch platforms in European waters highlights the importance of citizen journalism and the role that ordinary people can play in holding those in power accountable. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of NATO’s counter-drone measures and the need for coordinated strategies to protect airports and other key assets from drone interference.
As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is imperative that policymakers take a proactive approach to addressing these threats. Greater investment in effective counter-drone technologies, combined with enhanced transparency and cooperation between governments and industry, is essential to ensuring the safety of civilians and the security of critical infrastructure.
The revelation also serves as a reminder that the security landscape is constantly evolving, and it is essential that we stay vigilant and proactive in addressing emerging threats. By working together, governments, industry, and citizens can mitigate the risks associated with drones and ensure a safer future for all.