Kiel's Drone Mystery: Russian Freighter Linked to Shadow Fleet
Kiel has witnessed a series of unusual incidents involving drones and a mysterious freighter. In late September, drones suspected of spying were spotted over the city. Authorities believe these drones could be linked to Russia's shadow fleet, a group of old oil tankers used to evade sanctions and export oil at world market prices.
The drones observed were of two types. Fixed-wing drones, capable of higher and longer flights than typical multicopters, were also seen. These drones were potentially controlled by a 100-meter-long Russian freighter, part of the shadow fleet, that was nearby during the sightings. The ship, equipped with advanced communication technology, had the technical capability to launch and control such drones, possibly with satellite support.
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. In another instance, the freighter 'Scanlark' was searched in Kiel for suspected espionage and sabotage involving a drone launch. While the investigation is ongoing, these incidents highlight the potential threat posed by Russia's shadow fleet activities in European waters.
Authorities are investigating the connection between the drones seen over Kiel and Russia's shadow fleet. The use of old oil tankers to circumvent sanctions and control drones for potential espionage activities is a serious concern. Further scrutiny of Russia's shadow fleet operations is necessary to ensure the safety and security of European waters.
