Unidentified 'drone swarms' raise 'espionage' fears over north Germany
3 Min Read
Berlin investigates possible foreign espionage links as unidentified drone swarms flew over critical infrastructure in northern Germany, mapping naval shipyards and refineries.
-
A drone carrying a bomb flies over during joint Russian-Belarusian military drills at a training ground near Barysaw, Belarus, on September 15, 2025 (AP)
The route and flight path of unidentified drones previously spotted in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein indicate they were presumably measuring critical infrastructure, Der Spiegel reported, citing an internal police document.
According to German broadcaster Norddeutscher Rundfunk NDR, several unidentified drones were observed early on September 26 flying over the region. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described them as "drone swarms", warning that their coordinated maneuvers created a "high threat level" in the country.
Critical infrastructure targeted
The internal memo noted that Schleswig-Holstein state police tracked drones flying in parallel trajectories, apparently mapping out sensitive sites. The facilities reportedly surveyed included a coastal power plant, the Thyssenkrupp naval shipbuilding division, the regional government and parliament buildings, and Kiel University Hospital. The drones were also said to have flown along the Kiel Canal from east to west.
Another swarm reportedly monitored the Heide oil refinery, a critical supplier of kerosene to Hamburg Airport.
Authorities are investigating whether the drone activity amounts to espionage, but have publicly taken a cautious stance.
Read more: Denmark boosts security at European summits with anti-drone support
Additional reports in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Der Spiegel also reported that drones were observed over military installations in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern last week. Local officials have not confirmed the sightings, though the area is home to several military bases and strategic facilities.
Read more: NATO discord deepens as allies bicker over Russian airspace breaches
German government response
The reports have fueled calls for stronger measures to protect German infrastructure. Interior Minister Dobrindt said the drone activity demonstrates an “unprecedented threat", while federal and state police continue investigations.
Berlin only recently expanded the Bundeswehr’s legal authority to intercept or shoot down hostile drones, a move currently restricted under domestic law.
Read more: Russia links Kiev to fake drone attacks aimed at sparking war with EU
Drone activity surges across Europe
The incidents come amid a surge of drone activity across Europe, particularly around energy and defense facilities.
European security officials have also warned of reconnaissance drones possibly launched from disguised civilian vessels operating in the Baltic and North Sea. While evidence remains limited, the pattern has heightened concern over espionage and sabotage.
Read more: Ukrainian arrested for suspected involvement in Nord Stream attacks
