Blurb: Two drones were spotted over a German military base days after an explosive-laden drone was found near Leipzig/Halle Airport, renewing concerns over NATO’s vulnerability to drone threats.
BERLIN
Two drones were spotted over a military base in western Germany, raising fresh security concerns just days after an explosive-laden drone was discovered near a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport in the eastern part of the country.
The drones were sighted at around 10 p.m. local time on Thursday at the Bundeswehr base in Mechernich, North Rhine-Westphalia, about 35 kilometres from the Belgian border, according to a spokesperson for Germany’s armed forces.
Military police were deployed after the sighting was confirmed, before the matter was handed over to police in the nearby town of Euskirchen. Authorities said an investigation was underway, but provided no further details about the drones or their operators.
German media reports said the Mechernich military site houses a high-security underground storage facility for equipment and spare parts used for military hardware. The base also reportedly has personnel responsible for maintaining US Patriot air defence systems.
The latest incident came two days after an explosive-laden drone was found near a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport, a civilian freight facility that also serves as a NATO logistics hub. German media reported that the drone was discovered close to several Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft.
The incidents have intensified concerns over the ability of Germany and other NATO members to counter emerging drone threats. While German officials have not publicly blamed any foreign government, some lawmakers have pointed towards Russia.
Key highlights
- Drones spotted around 10 p.m. Thursday over Mechernich military base.
- Military police responded before investigation was handed to local police.
- Base reportedly stores military equipment and supports Patriot air defence maintenance.
- Incident follows discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
