Between January and March 2025, 536 unidentified drones were detected flying over Germany, mainly near military facilities and critical infrastructure such as liquefied natural gas terminals and civilian airports.
Most of these sightings occurred at night, especially between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., with notable activity around locations like the Wilhelmshaven Naval Base and the Ramstein Air Base, where up to 15 drones were seen simultaneously.
German authorities have opened 123 criminal investigations across five states, including Lower Saxony and Bavaria. Although it has not been proven that the drones are operated from abroad, this possibility has not been ruled out. In a few cases, drone operators were identified.
Currently, legislation allows the military to divert or fire warning shots at suspicious drones, but shooting down these vehicles remains prohibited, even when they pose serious risks.
There are suspicions that the drones used are Orlan-10 models of Russian origin, launched from ships in the North Sea to conduct reconnaissance missions over German territory, collecting information and returning to the Kaliningrad region in Russia.
In response, Germany proposed in early 2025 to authorize the military to shoot down suspicious drones near sensitive facilities, aiming to enhance national security in the face of these aerial threats.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: Freepik – ArthurHidden | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
🇩🇪 536 spy drones were detected over Germany between January and March this year, — Bild
✈️ Among the objects of surveillance are military bases, the energy sector, critical infrastructure. Up to 15 drones were seen over Ramstein air base. pic.twitter.com/NBZhPYY4Xa
— MAKS 25 🇺🇦👀 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) August 8, 2025
