Asger Risom
With a range that extends across nearly the entire continent, Russia’s Shahed drones pose a growing threat to European security, leaving only a handful of capitals beyond their reach.
With a range that extends across nearly the entire continent, Russia’s Shahed drones pose a growing threat to European security, leaving only a handful of capitals beyond their reach.
The Urgent Question of Drone Range
After recent incidents over Poland, Norway, and Denmark, defense analysts are warning that Russian Shahed drones could strike far deeper into Europe than previously assumed.
What Are Shahed (Geran-2) Drones?
Originally designed as kamikaze drones, Shahed/Geran-2 units are inexpensive to produce yet capable of traveling thousands of kilometers to hit strategic targets.
Claimed Flight Range
According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, the Shahed drones have a range of 1,800–2,500 kilometers—enough to reach from Russia into nearly every corner of Europe.
Launch Sites Inside Russia
Key launch zones include Crimea’s Cape Chauda and Bryansk. From these points, drones can already reach Scandinavia, the Netherlands, much of Germany, and southern Italy.
The Role of St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg offers a strategic advantage due to its logistics and proximity to northern Europe, making it an ideal hub for drone operations against NATO countries.
Maximum Reach of Geran-2
At its full 2,500 km range, the Geran-2 can strike all of Britain, Italy, and most of France—showing how few regions remain beyond its potential scope.
Belarus as a Launch Platform
Bases such as Osovci in Belarus could extend operational coverage even further, putting Madrid within reach and expanding threats to western Europe.
Kaliningrad Factor
Should drones be launched from Kaliningrad, their effective range grows by an additional 700 km, tightening the net around European capitals.
Which Capitals Are Vulnerable
Nearly every capital on the continent could be targeted—London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Madrid included. Lisbon remains the only European capital clearly outside reach.
The Challenge of Air Defense
European air defenses face a daunting cost imbalance. Shahed drones are cheap to build, while intercepting them can be hundreds of times more expensive.
Gaps on NATO’s Eastern Flank
The recent attack on Poland highlighted vulnerabilities along NATO’s borders. Once drones break through initial defenses, they can operate freely, exposing a critical weakness in Europe’s security shield.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
