Germany investigates drone flights over military sites in Bavaria
Illustrative photo: Germany is investigating drone flights over military sites in Bavaria (Getty Images)
The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has launched an investigation following multiple sightings of drones over Bundeswehr facilities in Manching and Neuburg an der Donau, according to Augsburger Allgemeine.
Northern Upper Bavaria Police received a report at around 6:00 p.m. on January 12 about drones flying over the military security zone in Manching. Upon arrival, officers identified up to ten drones in the area. Despite extensive searches, those responsible for the drone flights remain unidentified.
Similar incidents have occurred in recent weeks:
- On December 16, a local eyewitness spotted several drones over the Manching airfield, but the operator was not found.
- On December 18, three drones were seen flying over the military security zone in Manching.
- On December 19, drones flew over the military zone in Neuburg.
- On December 25, a drone was recorded in the Manching military zone.
"Since espionage targeting military facilities, partners, or arms suppliers cannot be ruled out in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, extensive search measures were undertaken to identify the drone operators," the LKA stated.
Unknown drones over military sites in Europe
Numerous European countries have reported unidentified drone activity over military facilities. For instance, in November, small drones flew over US military bases in the UK.
At the beginning of 2024, Germany also reported regular drone flights over military bases training Ukrainian soldiers.
