Sweden confirms intercept of Russian drone near French aircraft carrier

Sweden’s military confirms that a Russian signals intelligence ship was involved in an incident involving a drone launched from the vessel near a visiting French aircraft carrier in Swedish waters. The drone was reportedly observed taking off from the Russian ship during the visit of France’s flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Oresund strait between Sweden and Denmark.

According to the Swedish Armed Forces, technical data confirmed that the drone originated from the Russian vessel “Zhigulevsk”. The incident is believed to have occurred without authorization, violating Sweden’s access regulations and airspace. In response, a Swedish navy vessel, HMS Rapp, used technical equipment to disable the drone approximately 13km away from the French carrier.

Sweden’s Defence Minister Pal Jonson stated that the Swedish Armed Forces took firm and professional action to counter the drone, which was deemed to be flying without authorization. The Russian ship failed to comply with regulations governing transit through Swedish waters, prompting HMS Rapp to escort it out of Swedish maritime territory into the Baltic Sea.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the incident as a “ridiculous provocation” if Russian involvement is confirmed. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegation, calling it “absurd”. An investigation has been launched in Sweden, with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson suggesting that the timing of the incident may not be coincidental.

Source: Al Jazeera