Two drones were spotted over a military base in western Germany just days after an explosive-laden device was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, confirmed that the drones were seen on Thursday evening at a base in Mechernich, near Bonn. The site reportedly houses components for US-made Patriot air-defence systems.
A spokeswoman for the Bundeswehr Joint Force Command said military police were deployed to the site before the matter was handed over to local police.
The Bundeswehr declined to comment on the suspected origins of the drones when asked about the incident.
Germany warns of hybrid threats
The incident is the latest in a series of drone sightings near military bases and airports in European countries supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told Bild on Sunday that Germany had become a regular target of what he described as “destabilising” attacks.
“We’re not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare,” he said.
Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in drone incidents across Europe.
Explosive device found at Leipzig airport
German authorities are also investigating how a drone carrying explosives was able to reach a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
The airport is used by NATO and the German military and also serves as a base for Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines.
The Bundeswehr declined to comment on the ongoing investigation into the suspected origins of the drones spotted over Mechernich. Local police have also been contacted for comment.
German media reported that the Mechernich base has a storage facility for equipment and spare parts used to maintain Patriot missile batteries.
Patriot systems crucial for Ukraine
The Patriot air-defence systems have become a key part of Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian ballistic missiles since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently appealed to allies for additional supplies, warning that Ukraine was running short of interceptor missiles.
US President Donald Trump initially offered Ukraine a licence to manufacture Patriots in early July, but last week denied that such an agreement had been reached.
Europe remains on alert over drones
A wave of drone sightings across European airspace last year raised security concerns and prompted the EU to discuss the development of a continent-wide “drone wall” of air defences.
Several European officials have blamed Russia for some of the incidents, allegations Moscow has previously dismissed as “absurd”.
Also read: Explosive-carrying drone found at Leipzig Airport
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