German authorities launch investigation as unauthorized flights raise espionage concerns, according to weekly news magazine Der Spiegel
German security authorities are investigating multiple drone sightings over strategic facilities, including the US Air Force base at Ramstein, local media reported Friday.
According to weekly news magazine Der Spiegel, multiple drones were spotted flying over Ramstein Air Base, the largest US military hub in Europe, on the evenings of Dec. 3 and 4.
The drone sightings extended beyond military sites. Der Spiegel reported that the unmanned aircraft were also observed over facilities of defense contractor Rheinmetall and chemical company BASF in recent weeks.
Despite extensive search efforts, authorities were unable to determine the origin of these flights or locate the drone operators, the report stated. Security experts have expressed concerns that these unauthorized flights could be part of espionage efforts targeting critical infrastructure and military installations.
In August, suspected drones were spotted flying over an industrial park, a deactivated nuclear power plant, and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in northern Germany. Witnesses reported the aircraft moving at high speeds — sometimes exceeding 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour)
According to public broadcaster ARD and security experts, these were not typical hobby drones but military-grade fixed-wing aircraft designed for high-speed, long-duration flights.
