Suspected Russian spy drone seen flying over EU research centre
Mar 31, 2025
Rome [Italy], March 31: Italian officials are investigating after spotting a suspected Russian drone repeatedly flying over an EU research facility at Lake Maggiore, according to a report by the Italian news agency ANSA on Sunday.
The reconnaissance drone is said to have flown over the facility five times in the past month, prompting the public prosecutor's office in nearby Milan to open an investigation, ANSA and the daily newspaper Corriere della Sera reported.
The European Union's Joint Research Centre, located on the Italian lake shore in the municipality of Ispra since 1960, is currently conducting research into nuclear safety, energy efficiency and the security implications of drones. The Italian arms company Leonardo has several factories in the area.
There are other such EU research centres in Brussels and Luxembourg. ANSA reported, citing legal sources, that formal investigation proceedings against unknown individuals are to be opened on Monday.
Source: Qatar Tribune
