Unidentified drones over Germany: Authorities suspect Russian hybrid warfare
Illustrative photo: Unidentified drones attack In Germany considered part of Russia's hybrid warfare (Getty Images)
German law enforcement has recently recorded an increase in violations of the country’s airspace. Authorities believe this is part of Russia’s hybrid warfare, BILD reports.
BILD writes that in December of last year, there was a massive drone incursion over the territory of Rhineland-Palatinate. The drones were spotted near military facilities.
According to a Ministry of Internal Affairs representative, in 2024, the police received "about 100 reports" concerning unidentified drones in Rhineland-Palatinate alone.
"The use of large drones for spying on security-related facilities is noticeably increasing in Germany. Presumably, they are part of Russia’s hybrid warfare," the German Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.
According to BILD, none of these drones have been intercepted or shot down.
Particular threats are posed by reconnaissance drone flights over airports and military facilities of the Bundeswehr and US armed forces in Germany. Among such facilities are US bases in Ramstein and Spangdahlem.
It is noted that these are not "commercial hobby drones." The range of these large drones can technically "exceed 188 kilometers," suggesting their takeoffs and landings occur outside Germany.
Unidentified drones over military sites in Europe
It is worth noting that unidentified drones have repeatedly flown over military facilities in European countries. Russia may be involved.
For instance, in November, small unmanned aerial vehicles flew over US military bases in Britain.
Additionally, reports from early 2024 indicated that unidentified drones were regularly spotted over military bases in Germany, where Ukrainian defenders are being trained.
