French military forces have conducted a search on a “ghost ship” suspected to be a Russian vessel believed to have deployed drones into NATO airspace. The oil tanker, flying the flag of Benin, is thought to be part of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s covert “shadow fleet,” which includes aging tankers. This particular vessel had been sanctioned by the European Union for its alleged involvement in the shadow fleet.
Witnesses observed French troops boarding the tanker, currently anchored off the western coast of France. An anonymous military source confirmed the boarding took place on Saturday. French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned that the ship is under investigation for serious infractions but refrained from confirming reports linking it to drone flights originating during its stop in Denmark between September 22 and 25.
During an EU summit in Copenhagen, Macron stated that the crew had committed severe offenses warranting legal action. When questioned about potential drone launches from the vessel, Macron emphasized caution and declined to comment on any alleged connections. There are suspicions that the tankers may have been utilized as launch sites or distractions. Data revealed that a different vessel, the Astrol 1, passed through the Øresund Strait on the night of the drone sightings.
This development coincides with Russia’s recent incursions into NATO airspace, including drone activities in Polish territory in September, prompting NATO forces to scramble aircraft. Putin’s actions are seen as a test to assess NATO’s readiness to defend member states in case of a Russian attack, particularly those with historical ties to the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union.