Drone overflights and sabotage: In more than 100 cases, authorities suspect a foreign state of being behind the attacks

German authorities have identified over 100 cases of suspected foreign state involvement in drone surveillance and sabotage activities, according to data compiled by local police agencies and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). The incidents span multiple regions, with some linked to alleged Russian intelligence operations. One notable case occurred on December 11, 2025, during a military celebration at the Immelmann Barracks in Celle, Lower Saxony, when soldiers noticed a swarm of drones flying overhead. The incident was flagged as a “significant case” in a confidential report on espionage and sabotage suspicions, which the BKA regularly prepares. Over the following days, additional sightings were reported near the barracks and later over the nearby airfield at Faßberg. The suspicion of foreign state involvement has led to formal investigations under Section 87 of the German Criminal Code, which addresses acts of sabotage carried out by foreign agents. A senior officer within the German military expressed doubts immediately after the initial sighting, suggesting possible Russian involvement. Local police have since joined the inquiry, citing concerns over espionage and potential sabotage. This case is one of several that have prompted authorities to file reports with the Political Crime Reporting Unit (KPMD-PMK), a specialized division handling politically motivated crimes. According to a survey conducted by CORRECTIV, at least 104 such cases were reported nationwide in 2025, marking a significant increase in perceived threats from foreign actors. The frequency of these incidents has sparked public debate, particularly among media and political figures who often speculate about Russia’s role in such activities. While previous reports had hinted at this possibility, the latest data provides the first comprehensive overview of how frequently German law enforcement agencies investigate the involvement of foreign states in drone-related activities. The information comes amid heightened tensions between Germany and Russia, with many observers noting the growing influence of Russian tactics, including disinformation campaigns and strategic alliances with certain political groups. Regional variations in how these cases are handled are also evident. In Lower Saxony, authorities recorded incidents in the low double-digit range, though specific details remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, in Schleswig-Holstein, officials noted 31 instances of suspected foreign agent activity involving drones, the highest number among all federal states. These included the detention of the cargo ship Scanlark in August 2025, following concerns that the drone might have originated from the vessel. The incident highlighted the extent to which maritime areas along the North and Baltic Seas are being monitored for potential security threats. In other regions, drone-related cases dominate the statistics. For example, the Rhineland-Palatinate State Criminal Police Office (LKA) listed 21 incidents under Section 87 in 2025, all connected to Russia’s war against Ukraine and involving drones. Ten of these cases targeted U.S. military installations, including the Ramstein Air Base. This underscores the broader geopolitical context, where drone technology has become a key tool in both conflict and espionage. Despite the prevalence of drone-related cases, there are also instances where traditional methods of sabotage are suspected. Earlier research by CORRECTIV revealed that twelve entries under Section 87 in 2025 involved deliberate damage to transportation infrastructure, indicating that while drones play a prominent role, they are not the sole method used by suspected foreign agents. This diversity in attack methods reflects the evolving nature of modern security threats and the challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying and responding to them.