Concerns Rise Over Nightly Drone Flights in Northern Germany

Recent reports indicate increased anxiety in Northern Germany following a series of suspicious drone flights over military installations and critical infrastructure. Authorities have commenced investigations into these incidents, which were primarily observed in late February.

Locations such as the naval base in Wilhelmshaven and the airbase in Nordholz were among the sites affected, with additional sightings reported in Bremerhaven, Hamburg, and over a natural gas storage facility in Jemgum. The drones, described as professional-grade with wingspans between three and six meters, are believed to have entered German airspace from the North Sea, potentially launched from vessels operating in the North and Baltic Seas.

Initial inquiries by security agencies suggest that these drone activities may be linked to reconnaissance efforts targeting critical infrastructure, which could be preparatory steps for sabotage operations. There are also suggestions that the flights could be associated with the training of Ukrainian soldiers on German territory. Furthermore, it is possible that the intent behind these flights is to instigate public unease and a sense of war anxiety.

Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, there has been a marked increase in reported drone sightings across Germany, with the number of recorded incidents in Lower Saxony alone rising from 41 in 2022 to 131 in 2024. This trend has not only been observed in Germany but also in neighboring countries, including Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom.

The rise in drone activity has sparked discussions regarding the adequacy of current defense measures against such incursions. While there are technological solutions available, legal limitations pose significant challenges. Currently, the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) is only permitted to take down drones in exceptional circumstances. A proposed new law aimed at enhancing drone defense capabilities is still pending approval in the Bundestag, having been presented to the federal cabinet in mid-January.

In response to these threats, the Bundeswehr established a dedicated task force in 2023 to improve its drone utilization strategies and enhance its ability to counter hostile drone operations.