NATO airbase in Germany observes unknown drone flying over it

The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, October 8. The suspicious drone entered a no-fly zone shortly after 7:00 PM.

According to an internal memo cited by Spiegel, the drone remained airborne for about a minute and flew at a low altitude over the runway of the base in North Rhine-Westphalia.

After the incident, the military police immediately reported it to civilian authorities. However, they were unable to determine the origin or operator of the drone. Nevertheless, the base command ordered an increase in security measures.

On Thursday, a base spokesperson confirmed that after the drone sighting, the surrounding area was thoroughly inspected, but no traces of the drone were found.

The NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen is of key importance for monitoring the airspace of the Alliance’s eastern flank, as it hosts AWACS reconnaissance aircraft.

Due to its strategic role, this facility is listed among military bases that the Bundeswehr protects with heightened vigilance.

Flights of unidentified drones over Europe

Over the past month, unidentified drones have been spotted in the airspace of several European countries above military facilities and critical infrastructure.

In particular, drones have been detected in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Germany, and France. In several cities, civilian airport operations were temporarily suspended.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not rule out that these provocations could be Kremlin tests to gauge Europe’s response and to prepare for opening a new front in the war before the end of hostilities in Ukraine.

Ukrainian intelligence has determined that many of these drones are launched from Russia’s shadow fleet tankers.

In Germany, preparations have begun for a law that would allow police to shoot down drones that violate flight regulations and enter no-fly zones.