Berlin: Germany is facing a growing threat from foreign-backed hybrid warfare, including espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks and covert operations, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has warned.
Dobrindt said hostile foreign powers were seeking to create fear and instability in Germany without engaging in conventional warfare. “We’re not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare,” Dobrindt said, describing espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks and covert operations as a constant threat to the country.
The minister did not name any specific country as being responsible for the alleged activities. His remarks came days after an explosive-laden drone was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany. The incident has heightened concerns about the potential use of drones for sabotage or disruption.
Some German lawmakers have suggested a possible Russian connection, citing Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. However, the Russian embassy in Berlin rejected the allegations, describing the Leipzig incident as a ‘fabricated provocation’ and accusing Germany of making unsubstantiated claims against Russia.
Germany to expand anti-drone capabilities
With growing concerns over drone-related security risks, Germany is preparing to strengthen its ability to detect and counter unmanned aircraft. Dobrindt’s ministry is considering doubling the number of federal anti-drone specialists from around 150 to 300. The government is also reportedly planning to increase the number of anti-drone bases from four to eight.
The concerns have also extended to military facilities. Germany’s armed forces reported that two drones were spotted over a military site in Mechernich, in North Rhine-Westphalia. The latest developments come as several European countries remain on heightened alert over unexplained drone activity.
In Bulgaria, a drone exploded near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline. Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry said there was no indication that the incident was intentional, while Ukraine said it was cooperating with Bulgarian authorities to determine what happened.
The incidents have renewed concerns that the war in Ukraine could create wider security risks for neighbouring NATO countries. European Union and NATO officials have previously accused Russia of involvement in drone incidents and other forms of hybrid activity. Moscow has repeatedly denied the allegations.
Germany’s latest warning highlights the growing focus among European governments on drones, cyberattacks and covert operations as potential tools of modern hybrid warfare.
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