Drones spotted over German military base amid uptick in similar incidents

German military police are investigating after two drones were spotted flying over the Bundeswehr base in Mechernich on Thursday night. Security surveillance reported the sightings around 10 p.m., prompting the deployment of military police to the site. The Euskirchen police department has opened an investigation into the incident.

This event comes just two days after a drone carrying explosives was discovered at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport, a major international freight hub. U.S. officials assess the drone found at the airport to be of Russian origin. The Leipzig airport is significant as it hosts NATO's Strategic Airlift International Solution (SALIS), which supports NATO battle groups along the alliance's eastern flank.

Recent drone activity over European airspace has raised alarms. Last year, mysterious drone flights over EU member states caused public concern and led to flight cancellations, stranding thousands of passengers. The discovery of the explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, though defused, has intensified security worries.

American intelligence assessments suggest Russian President Vladimir Putin may be increasingly willing to authorize provocative actions extending into NATO territory. Western officials have accused Russia and its proxies of numerous incidents across Europe, including drone incursions and suspected sabotage, since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine over four years ago. The Russian Embassy in Germany has dismissed the Leipzig drone incident as part of a "new wave of anti-Russian hysteria."