Multiple drones have been spotted at the military base in Schwesing, Schleswig-Holstein, raising concerns about a potential espionage attempt, particularly as Ukrainian soldiers are trained there.

A classified report accessed by Süddeutsche Zeitung revealed that from early January to late January 2025, there were six security incidents involving unidentified drones at the base.

Experts believe that the drone sightings over military facilities and industrial parks signal a significant espionage threat from Russia, with concerns that Germany is inadequately prepared.

The Bundeswehr's Operational Command confirmed the drone sightings and stated that investigations have been taken over by the Landeskriminalamt (LKA), which is examining the incidents.

In none of the six incidents could the operators of the drones be identified, prompting involvement from military police and the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD).

The Interior Minister of Rheinland-Palatinate suggested that the technology and operational altitude of the drones indicate they may be part of Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, although the connection to Russian espionage remains unclear.

The Bundeswehr suspects that the Schwesing base is being targeted for espionage, primarily by Russian intelligence services.

As a precaution, additional detection and jamming systems have been deployed to the site, with speculation that the drones may have been launched from ships in the North or Baltic Sea.

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser warned that drones could be used for espionage and sabotage, emphasizing the need for policy changes regarding their interception.

In response to rising drone threats, the German government is proposing expanded powers for the Bundeswehr to shoot down drones in imminent danger situations, a change to existing air security laws.

CDU defense expert Roderich Kiesewetter criticized Germany's capabilities in drone technology and defense measures, indicating a significant lag in advancement.

A spokesperson from the Operational Command confirmed the increased number of drone sightings at the Schwesing military site during January.