Unusual Drone Activity Sighted Over Germany’s Critical Maritime Infrastructure

submarine shipyard — Image for representation purposes only

German authorities are investigating unusual drone activity over Kiel and other parts of Schleswig-Holstein, amid concerns the flights targeted critical maritime and energy infrastructure.

The incidents occurred on 25 and 26 September. Multiple drones of different sizes were sighted over a power plant, a university hospital, government buildings, military sites, and the Heide oil refinery, a facility supplying fuel to Hamburg Airport.

Two smaller drones were spotted above the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) submarine shipyard. Later, a coordinated formation led by a larger drone was observed over Kiel Fjord, including the Kiel Canal (Nord-Ostsee-Kanal) and state parliament premises.

Schleswig-Holstein Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack confirmed that the authorities are investigating a possible espionage operation, though details have not been disclosed.

Regional Minister-President Daniel Günther described the events as a series of “provocations” and stressed the need for stronger drone defences in Germany.

Similar drone sightings occurred in northern Germany. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, drones were seen above a military base in Sanitz and the naval command in Rostock. Police found large quadcopters weighing over 2.5 kg operating near the Rostock seaport.

The Kiel incidents follow other drone activity in Europe. Earlier in September, drones forced Copenhagen Airport in Denmark to close.

Danish authorities suspect those flights may have been launched from Russia-linked merchant vessels, including the tanker Pushpa, which was boarded by French authorities. Per reports, the Kiel drone flights may also have come from a vessel in the Baltic Sea.

Recent weeks have seen increased aerial activity in NATO airspace. Poland has shot down Russian drones, Estonia reported incursions by Russian fighter jets, and Norway has experienced several drone incidents, including over airports and offshore facilities.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described such activity as part of “hybrid warfare” targeting Europe. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said not all foreign-controlled drones are threats but stressed the need for a proper response.

Authorities in Schleswig-Holstein are working with federal ministries and NATO partners to monitor the situation and strengthen defences. Investigations into the origin, purpose, and scale of the drone flights are ongoing.

References: abcnews, kyiv Independent

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