Suspected Russian drone approaches French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Swedish waters

A suspected Russian drone approached the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while it was docked in Malmö, Sweden, prompting a rapid response from the Swedish Armed Forces, according to Swedish broadcaster SVT.

The incident occurred as the carrier — the flagship of the French Navy — was in port for a strategic exercise. Swedish naval patrol units detected what was described as a suspicious drone operating in the Öresund Strait. Authorities believe the drone may have been launched from a nearby Russian military vessel present in Swedish territorial waters.

Sweden’s Defence Minister Pål Jonson confirmed that a probable violation of Swedish airspace had taken place. “It is, of course, very serious if you violate Swedish airspace,” he said, adding that there is a “strong connection” between the Russian military ship and the drone. While the Swedish Armed Forces have not formally attributed the drone to Russia, Jonson stated it was “probably Russian.”

According to the military, countermeasures were deployed to disrupt the drone, after which contact was lost. No further drone activity has been reported, and the suspected Russian vessel is believed to have continued toward the Baltic Sea.

Swedish authorities are now investigating whether the incident constitutes a breach of national regulations governing territorial access. Sweden has also been in close political and military contact with Denmark following the event.

The episode adds to heightened regional tensions in the Baltic area amid increased Russian military activity near NATO member states.