Germany warns of ‘daily hybrid warfare’ after explosive-laden drone found | Russia-Ukraine war News
Germany Faces Increased Threat of Hybrid Warfare, Official Warns
Germany is experiencing daily assaults categorized as “hybrid warfare” from foreign adversaries, according to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt. His remarks followed the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, raising concerns about national security.
In an interview with Bild am Sonntag, Dobrindt stated that foreign powers aim to undermine Germany politically and socially by instilling fear. “We’re not at war, but we are the daily target of hybrid warfare,” he said, emphasizing the persistent risks of espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks, and covert operations aimed at destabilizing the country.
While Dobrindt did not specify any countries involved in these activities, some German lawmakers have pointed to Russia, which has been engaged in conflict with Ukraine since its invasion in 2022. The Russian embassy in Berlin has dismissed the Leipzig incident as a “fabricated provocation,” characterizing it as part of a series of unfounded accusations against Moscow.
In response to these threats, Germany plans to enhance its drone defense capabilities, as reported by Bild. Dobrindt’s ministry aims to double the number of anti-drone experts from 150 to 300 and expand the network of related operational bases from four to eight.
On Saturday, Germany’s armed forces reported observing two drones over a military base in Mechernich, located in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Meanwhile, a drone explosion in Bulgaria near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline has sparked additional concerns, though Bulgarian officials have indicated that there is no evidence to suggest the incident was intentional. Ukraine is collaborating with Bulgarian authorities to investigate the situation.
These recent drone incidents across Europe have intensified worries that Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine may have broader implications for neighboring NATO countries. NATO and European Union representatives have previously attributed similar drone activities to Russia, which has consistently refuted these allegations.
