Bundeswehr: threat of Russian sabotage now rated “significant” – explosives-laden drone found near the Wunstorf air base

The German armed forces (Bundeswehr) consider themselves directly threatened by possible Russian acts of sabotage. In an internal document quoted by Süddeutsche Zeitung, the risk is described for the first time as “significant” (erheblich), the second-highest risk category of the German armed forces. A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defence confirmed on Wednesday, October 21, that the Bundeswehr faces a significant overall sabotage threat and that additional protective measures are being examined.

The document refers to recent drone sightings. One concerns the apparently failed attack of August on Leipzig/Halle airport, where, according to investigations, the target was parked Ukrainian transport aircraft. The second concerns a drone found near Wunstorf air base in Lower Saxony, which was most likely to be used against Bundeswehr aircraft, reports n-tv. The Luftwaffe’s A400M transports are based at Wunstorf.

“The incidents underline that Russia has for some time almost certainly had the capability, and very probably now has the increased intent, to act against Bundeswehr forces and facilities, as well as partners such as Ukraine in Germany,” the analysis states. Moscow’s aim is “very probably erosion”, with an emphasis on politically and socially weakening German support for Ukraine.

By using drones as a kinetic means, Russia has, according to the document, crossed “a red line of intent to cause damage with a kinetic or even lethal effect” against Germany and the Bundeswehr. Regarding Wunstorf in particular, “it must very probably be assumed that the Bundeswehr was the direct target”. Intelligence assessments expect a “short-term deterioration of the situation” and actions in the near future. Protective measures are set site by site, with more patrols, thermal cameras and fence surveillance. The document also mentions suspected Russian reconnaissance, such as drone flights over the Arrow 3 missile defence site in Saxony-Anhalt and a camouflaged camera recording the railway station at Minden. Moscow denies any involvement. Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the hybrid attacks on Wednesday a “fundamental attack on the entire political order”.

BND intelligence chief Martin Jäger had spoken in early October of a “violent confrontation with Russia”, in which Germany finds itself. Russian GRU hackers had also targeted a warship shipyard in a NATO country.