Hundreds of drone incidents recorded in Germany, Bundeswehr says
Photo: Shahed-type drone (Getty Images)
A representative of the Bundeswehr's Operational Command said the number of reports of drone sightings began to increase noticeably after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. At the same time, such reports have become increasingly frequent recently.
"The number of reports of drone sightings related to the Bundeswehr has increased significantly and remains at a stable level," he stressed.
The Bundeswehr said most cases involve individual drones. However, the military sometimes also detects entire swarms of drones.
The representative of the Operational Command declined to disclose details of individual incidents or provide additional information about them.
Germany also warns of broader hybrid threats
The drone problem is just one component of the broader security situation Germany is facing.
The Bundeswehr said the country deals with various forms of hybrid threats on a daily basis. These include disinformation, fake news, cyberattacks, espionage, and sabotage.
At the same time, Germany's military command did not directly link the recorded drone flights to any particular country.
One of the latest high-profile incidents occurred at Leipzig Airport on the night of August 5. Airport operations were temporarily suspended after a suspicious drone carrying explosives was found near the runway, close to a Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo plane.
Investigators later found an antenna near the site of the attack, as well as DNA traces on the drone and explosives. According to investigators, the drone had been specially modified for the attack. Law enforcement officers are also investigating a possible Russian connection.
