Germany detects suspicious drone flights over military facility

Suspicious drone flights have been detected over a military facility in the German city of Mechernich, where maintenance work is being carried out on Patriot air-defence systems, according to German media.

The facility, known within the German armed forces as the “Patriot Shipyard,” is believed to be the only facility of its kind in Europe, Caliber.Az wirtes per German media. 

The recent drone activity has raised serious concerns among German security authorities. On the night of August 7 alone, employees of a security company reportedly recorded six drone sightings over the facility.

During the latest incident, police officers from the Euskirchen District Police Department, who had already been alerted, were reportedly at the scene and witnessed at least one drone flying over the area. One drone was also reportedly seen briefly circling above emergency responders, according to a confidential police report.

German military police reportedly observed the incident from a distance of around 40 meters. According to the report, their preliminary assessment was that the drone was likely a Fly-380 VTOL model.

The aircraft has a wingspan of around 3.8 meters and a range of up to 400 kilometres. It can reportedly reach speeds of up to 150 km/h and carry a payload weighing more than 10 kilograms.

The identity of those responsible for the drone flights remains unknown. Drones of this type are used for purposes including surveying, mapping, border security and transporting goods to hard-to-reach areas.

Police are investigating possible unauthorised photography of military facilities, weapons or restricted areas. Germany’s military counterintelligence service and the Joint Drone Defence Centre in Berlin are also involved in the investigation.

By Sabina Mammadli