Unidentified drone swarms spark espionage fears over northern Germany’s strategic sites

Authorities in Germany have reported multiple sightings of unidentified drone groups operating over key infrastructure sites in the northern regions of the country, raising concerns over potential espionage or sabotage activities. 

The drones, which were seen in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, were likely conducting surveillance of critical infrastructure, Caliber.Az reports, citing German media.

The drone activity was first observed on the evening of September 25 in Schleswig-Holstein. At approximately 9:00 p.m., two small drones were detected flying over the Thyssenkrupp naval shipyard, a critical facility known for manufacturing military vessels for Germany and NATO. Shortly thereafter, a cluster of drones was seen over an unnamed university hospital, followed by sightings of drones over a coastal power plant around 10:00 p.m.

Further drone activity was recorded over Kiel, the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein, where a larger drone accompanied by several smaller ones flew above the bay and the state parliament building. Local law enforcement noted that these drones maintained parallel flight paths, suggesting a coordinated effort likely aimed at mapping or gathering intelligence on ground targets. The drones reportedly traversed from east to west along extensive stretches of the Kiel Canal, a crucial maritime artery connecting the Baltic and North Seas.

Sabine Sütterlin-Waack, Schleswig-Holstein’s Interior Minister, confirmed that the ministry is actively investigating these incursions with a focus on possible espionage or sabotage threats.

In a related development, suspicious drone sightings were also reported on September 25 over a German military base in Sanitz, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The following day, drones were observed near the German Navy headquarters in Rostock, with additional sightings recorded near the Rostock port terminal on September 20. Officials noted that these drones appeared to operate in a “coordinated and synchronized” manner.

By Vafa Guliyeva