Unidentified drones spotted over the base where Patriot SAMs are deployed and Ukrainian soldiers are training in Germany
Six incidents of unidentified drones were recorded at the German Air Force airbase, where Patriot SAMs are deployed and Ukrainian military personnel are undergoing training. The incidents are being investigated as potential espionage.
Here's What We Know
A series of suspicious incidents took place at an airbase located on the North Sea coast. The Süddeutsche Zeitung reports that from 9 to 29 January, six cases of drones of unknown origin were recorded.
The base in Schwesing is used to train operators of the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system, including the Ukrainian military. German authorities consider the situation a potential threat and are investigating possible espionage.
The police admit that it is difficult to track the drones, as most of these flights cannot be monitored. Interior Minister Nancy Feather said that the government plans to allow the military to shoot down suspicious drones near military installations and critical infrastructure. The relevant amendments to the aviation security law were presented in the Bundestag on 15 January.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Nancy Feather called for increased protection of strategic facilities. They suggest that drones could be launched by foreign countries for the purpose of espionage or sabotage. Feather emphasises that the use of drones in Europe has increased significantly since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion.
Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung.
