Germany on alert for Russian sabotage after drone with explosives spotted near air base

Germany has raised the threat of Russian sabotage against its military to the second-highest level for the first time, warning of a significant risk to its armed forces and military installations.According to German broadcaster WDR and Süddeutsche Zeitung, the escalation follows the discovery of a drone carrying explosives near Wunstorf air base in Lower Saxony, which investigators suspect may have been intended to target military aircraft. The German defence ministry has confirmed the significant sabotage threat facing the Bundeswehr (German armed forces).The Bundeswehr’s assessment warns that the threat is no longer limited to isolated military installations, raising concerns about further sabotage attempts in the near future. The warning comes amid a series of suspected drone surveillance incidents targeting sensitive military sites and infrastructure across Germany.The Wunstorf incident has emerged as a key concern for German security officials after a drone carrying explosives was discovered near the air base in September. Investigators suspect it may have been intended to target military aircraft, although the circumstances surrounding the drone and its intended use remain under investigation.The assessment also points to suspicious drone flights over the site of Germany’s Arrow 3 missile defence system and other military facilities, as well as a camera discovered filming a strategically important railway station in Minden. These incidents have heightened concerns about surveillance of critical infrastructure and possible preparations for sabotage.German officials fear that such operations could go beyond intelligence gathering and surveillance to cause physical damage, disrupt military activities and threaten personnel. The suspected targeting of sensitive installations has raised concerns about the security of Germany’s defence infrastructure as Berlin continues to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.The Bundeswehr is responding by strengthening security at military installations, including through increased patrols, surveillance cameras and improved perimeter monitoring. The measures are aimed at detecting suspicious activity and protecting personnel and sensitive equipment against potential sabotage attempts.