In brief
German forces spotted two drones striding above the Mechernich base near Bonn during Thursday evening. The base houses spare parts for Patriot missile batteries, key to Ukraine's anti‑missile defense. The sighting follows a bomb‑laden drone discovered at Leipzig/Halle airport, a joint NATO venue and Ukrainian logistics hub. German officials say the country is increasingly targeted in hybrid attacks and that its interceptor missiles are running low. The incident fuels speculation over Russian involvement despite Moscow's denials.
German forces confirmed that two drones were spotted over the Mechernich military base near Bonn on Thursday evening, days after a bomb‑laden device was found at Leipzig/Halle airport.
The base, which stores and maintains parts for US‑made Patriot air‑defence missiles, was quickly secured by military police and handed over to local police authorities.
This event follows a pattern of drone sightings near European airspaces supporting Ukraine, prompting talks of a continent‑wide “drone wall” in the EU. Russia has repeatedly denied responsibility.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned that while Germany is not at war, it faces daily hybrid attacks. He emphasized the importance of the Patriot system, which has enabled Ukraine to intercept Russian ballistic missiles since 2022, despite growing shortages of interceptor missiles.
The Bundeswehr declined to comment on the origins of the Mechernich drones, while the local police remain investigating the bomb discovery at Leipzig airport.
