The Russian interference continues to increase the . The Dutch authorities who, last Tuesday, October 14, their soldiers detected various unidentified drones flying over a area near a military exercise of the Atlantic Alliance in Poland.
This incident could be a sign that Russia is in the “Phase Zero”in to enter conflict with NATOcharacterized for the establishment of “informational and psychological environments” that precede military action.
The Netherlands Airmobile Brigade participated in the exercise in recent weeks Falcon Autumn NATO, a large-scale air operation held annually with Poland, the United States and other nations. During camping at an airfield, small drones that appeared unexpectedly. Although adjustments were made to the operation, it was not suspended and the drones they ended up withdrawing.
The military They did not have defense equipment against drones at the time of the events. These systems arrived from the Netherlands shortly after. However, everything ended in a scare that did not go any further. “There was no immediate threat”said Brigadier General Frank Grandia. “We are quite far from the Russian border. We learned about it immediately and adapted immediately,” he added.
“We know that there are parties very interested in what we do and that they are monitoring the exercises”
Frank Grandia, brigadier general.
Although authorities have not publicly identified the origin of these unmanned aircraft, it is suspected that they came from Russia. “We know that there are parties very interested in what we do and that they are monitoring the exercises,” said Grandia. However, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharovadenied any involvement from Moscow and stated that Denmark has not submitted a formal investigation to Russia into the matter.
They also registered interruptions in your communications systemsalthough it is still unclear whether the source of the interference was drone activity or the countermeasures used.
For its part, the Associated Press (AP) agency reported on Sunday October 19about what Munich airport was temporarily closed on two occasions during the previous night, after receiving several reports about the presence of unidentified drones in the surrounding area. Authorities were unable to confirm any of the incidents and decided to reopen the airport.
Increase in drone incidents
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), if it is confirmed that these last two episodes were carried out by Russian drones, would represent the most recent case within an increasingly frequent series of incursions by unidentified aircraft in the vicinity of essential civil infrastructure and military sites in different parts of Europe.
It is worth remembering that, in recent months, several European airports have suffered interruptions by unidentified drone flights allegedly linked to Russia, which has raised alarm in NATO.
In a few days, were closed and forced to cease operations for hours due to the presence of drones. Likewise, that of Munich (Germany) due to night drones of unknown origin.
The latest of several disturbing sightings: a sign of “Phase Zero” in the war against Russia
The ISW considers that “these unattributed drone sightings are likely related to the (informational and psychological phase of setting conditions) to prepare for a possible war between NATO and Russia in the future.”
Russia’s offensive actions, whether overt or covert, meet several strategic objectives for Moscow internally and externally. The Kremlin intends to sow fear among European citizens and leaders to weaken NATO cohesion and reduce aid to Ukraine.
