German Military Base Targeted By Drone Sightings After Leipzig Incident

Germany is investigating the latest drone sightings near a military facility after two unmanned aircraft were spotted over a base in western Germany, days after an explosive-laden device was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

The Bundeswehr confirmed that the drones were detected Thursday evening over its base in Mechernich, near Bonn. Military police were deployed before the matter was handed over to local authorities.

German media reports that the facility houses equipment and spare parts linked to US-made Patriot air-defence systems, which have become important to Ukraine’s defence against Russian missile attacks.

The Bundeswehr has not disclosed who may have operated the drones or whether they were connected to the incident at Leipzig airport.

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the country as increasingly exposed to what he called “hybrid warfare,” saying Germany was facing regular destabilising attacks.

Authorities are separately investigating how a drone carrying explosives reached a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport, which is used by NATO, the German military and Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines.

The latest sightings come amid growing concern across Europe over unexplained drone activity near airports and military facilities. Several European officials have previously pointed to Russia, although Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged allies to provide more Patriot interceptor missiles, warning that Ukraine faces shortages as the war with Russia continues.