Military bases in Germany face drone incursions, raising questions about security and the threat of espionage.
Recent drone incursions over the U.S. base in Ramstein, Germany, and other critical infrastructure, pose significant security challenges. These events, linked to potential threats of espionage and sabotage, take place against a backdrop of international tensions, not least due to Germany’s role in providing military support to Ukraine. Increased surveillance of these facilities underlines the need to improve defense capabilities against drones, a growing threat in modern conflicts.
For several months, incursions by unidentified drones have been reported over Ramstein air base and other key infrastructure in Germany. These events highlight heightened security risks for military and industrial facilities, against a backdrop of tensions between Russia and the West. The use of drones for surveillance or sabotage is becoming an increasingly popular hybrid warfare tactic.
Ramstein: a strategic base under surveillance
The Ramstein base in Rhineland-Palatinate is a crucial logistics hub for US military operations in Europe. It is home to air defense systems such as the Patriot and serves as a platform for transporting military equipment to Ukraine.
In December 2024, several drones were spotted over the base, raising concerns about possible espionage activities. These low-flying, hard-to-detect drones illustrate the vulnerability of strategic installations to asymmetric threats. Although the US military has stated that there has been no impact on operations, these incidents have led to close collaboration between German and US authorities to reinforce security.
Impact on German critical infrastructure
In addition to Ramstein, other strategic sites in Germany, such as Rheinmetall and BASF facilities, were overflown by drones. Rheinmetall, a key player in the production of ammunition and armored vehicles for the Ukraine, represents an obvious target for espionage or sabotage activities.
These incursions, which took place against a backdrop of tensions linked to the war in Ukraine, raise questions about the resilience of industrial infrastructures in the face of potentially coordinated attacks. The drones used, capable of flying at speeds of 100 km/h, complicate their interception and increase the risk of critical damage.
A hybrid threat: the role of drones in modern conflicts
The drone incursions in Germany are part of a wider strategy of hybrid warfare, combining conventional military action with unconventional tactics. Russia, often suspected in such cases, uses economic and technological means to destabilize its adversaries while denying any direct involvement.
Similar incidents have been observed in England and the USA, highlighting a global problem. Drones, often available at moderate cost (between €1,000 and €10,000), can be used to gather sensitive information or target installations at low cost.
Reinforce defenses against drones
Military bases in Europe remain insufficiently equipped to counter these threats. Although systems such as the UK’s Orcus are on offer, their deployment remains limited due to legal and operational constraints.
One solution lies in improving detection technologies, such as specialized radars and electronic jamming systems. In Germany, the installation of such devices could cost between 10 and 15 million euros per base, according to estimates.
Strategic consequences and international responses
These incidents underline the need for greater cooperation between NATO member nations to respond to cross-border threats. In the long term, increased defense spending to secure critical infrastructures is inevitable. At the same time, thorough investigations must be carried out to identify those responsible and prevent future attacks.
The proliferation of drones marks a turning point in global security. Their use, whether for civilian or military purposes, continues to redefine defense and intelligence strategies.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.