Is Europe within reach? It became known how far the “Shaheeds” can fly

After the recent attack on Poland by cheap “foam” UAVs and the appearance of unknown drones in the airspace above Oslo and Copenhagen airports, the question is becoming increasingly urgent: how far can Russian strike drones realistically reach?

This is stated in the Defense Express article.

According to estimates by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Geran-2 combat drones (a well-known version of the Iranian Shahed-136) have a flight range of 1,800 to 2,500 km. This is more than enough to reach key European capitals, depending on the launch location.

Today, Russia already has a prepared infrastructure for launching drones for attacks on Ukraine — in particular, in occupied Crimea (Cape Chauda) and near Bryansk. These same platforms could well be used to strike NATO countries in Europe.

If drones are launched from the territory of the Russian Federation or Crimea:

At a range of 1,800 km, Scandinavia, part of Germany, the Netherlands, and northern Italy would be hit.

With a maximum range of 2,500 km, the impact zone covers Great Britain, France, all of Italy, and most of Central Europe.

If new launch sites are deployed—for example, in the Kaliningrad region or at the Belarusian Osovets airbase—the drones’ range increases by about 700 km. In this case, almost all of Europe, including Madrid, is within reach, with the possible exception of Lisbon.

Although we are talking about the maximum possible distances, the real situation already demonstrates vulnerability. The drone attack on Poland revealed holes even in the first line of air defense on NATO’s eastern flank.

Moreover, if drones break through the border, they can advance almost unhindered deep into Europe — the only line of air defense is mostly at the border, and interception systems over internal regions are often absent.

It is also important to remember that the drones that Russia launches cost thousands of dollars, while the missiles that shoot them down are hundreds of times more expensive. This creates a strategic asymmetry: for Russia, it is a cheap attack, for NATO countries, it is an expensive defense.

And while Moscow is betting on “quantity,” Europe is unprepared for a protracted, exhausting scenario where drones fly far away and an effective response is too slow and expensive.

As a reminder, the United Kingdom has threatened to shoot down Russian planes if they violate the airspace of NATO member states . The country will do this “if necessary.”

In addition, Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said that his country is ready to provide its territory for the deployment of British F-35A fighters, multi-role aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

By the way, the level of threat of nuclear escalation between Russia and the West has reached a critical level.

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