German military warns of potential Russian sabotage threats

The German military is warning of potential sabotage attacks by Russia on its troops stationed in Germany. This warning comes from an internal assessment, according to reports from German public broadcaster WDR and newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung. The threat level has been classified as 'considerable,' marking a significant escalation in the perceived danger to military personnel.

The alarm was raised following the discovery of a crashed drone near the airbase in Wunstorf, Lower Saxony. The unmanned aircraft, discovered by a local farmer in mid-September, is believed to resemble those used in earlier attacks involving explosive-laden drones. A similar device was utilized in a failed attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August.

Technical analyses conducted by the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) indicated that the drone at Wunstorf had been equipped with a can containing high-explosive material, found nearby the crash site. However, this drone is thought to have been in the area for about two years, suggesting it was intended for targeting military aircraft rather than civilian freight planes, as suspected in the Leipzig incident.

Investigations have uncovered a suspicious substance near the damaged drone, adding to concerns about its origins and purpose. These findings have led to a revision of security assessments, elevating the threat posed by potential Russian acts from moderate to considerable. The latest analysis implies that Russia might have both the capability and intent to engage in acts against German forces and their allies, including Ukraine.

The internal German military document highlights that these incidents demonstrate Russia's ability to use drones as kinetic devices, which implies the use of drones as weapons with possible lethal effects. This is seen as crossing a previously anticipated line of aggression by Russia towards Germany and its military assets.

The assessment underscores a strategic intent by Russia to weaken domestic and political support in Germany for Ukraine. Operationally, Russia reportedly aims to impair Germany’s assistance to Ukraine, particularly in terms of military training and equipment, thereby undermining Ukraine's defense capabilities.

This internal assessment marks the first time German military authorities have formally recognized such a high level of threat from potential Russian sabotage within the country. The increasing sophistication and potential threat of these drone operations have highlighted vulnerabilities and prompted increased vigilance and preventive measures to safeguard military installations and personnel.

The German government has not publicly commented on the findings, maintaining the discretion typical of assessments involving national security issues. However, the escalating threat classification suggests that authorities are taking the potential danger very seriously.

Experts in European security and drone warfare note that the use of drones in military and espionage activities has been expanding, reflecting broader concerns about asymmetric threats posed by state and non-state actors. These developments underscore ongoing tensions between Russia and European nations, amid wider geopolitical conflicts and disputes over territorial aggression and influence.

Germany's national security strategy is under review as it faces an evolving landscape of threats that require adaptive measures to safeguard its military forces and infrastructure. As tensions persist in Eastern Europe, particularly regarding Russia's activities, NATO allies including Germany are assessing their readiness and response strategies against unconventional threats such as drone attacks.

Source: tagesschau.de