Germany raises its military sabotage threat assessment
Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, raised their assessment of the Russian sabotage threat to the second-highest level, according to reporting on an internal analysis. The assessment broadens concern from facilities supporting Ukraine to German personnel and military sites more generally. Protection is being strengthened after drone discoveries and suspected attacks; Russia denies involvement in sabotage in Europe.
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The warning extends to German troops and facilities
Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, raised their assessment of the Russian sabotage threat to the second-highest level on an internal scale. Reports on October 21 by public broadcaster WDR and newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung described a classified military analysis warning that German personnel and military facilities could themselves become targets.[1], [2]
Previous assessments had concentrated on sites training Ukrainian troops and locations involved in equipment deliveries to Ukraine. The revised analysis says vulnerable locations can no longer be limited geographically. An Operational Command spokesperson told WDR that the risk was substantial and that protective measures for personnel and facilities were being strengthened.[1], [2]
Wunstorf drone discovery features in the reassessment
The reassessment followed the discovery of a drone near Wunstorf air base in Germany in mid-September. Investigators believe it may have been intended to target military aircraft. Technical analysis attributed to the Federal Criminal Police Office suggests it may have been lying near the base for around two years. Those conclusions remain investigators’ assessments of the device and its intended use.[1], [2]
Investigators identified similarities with a device used in a failed attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in early August. The German government has attributed that incident to Russia. Suspicious drone flights associated with Arrow 3 air-defence locations and Patriot maintenance facilities were also cited in reporting on the threat.[1], [2]
Investigators found a can containing explosives a few metres from the Wunstorf drone. The military analysis distinguishes a possible direct threat to Bundeswehr aircraft there from the Leipzig incident’s threat to Ukrainian aircraft. The analysis also assesses that using drones as weapons crossed a previously anticipated threshold involving an intention to inflict physical damage or potentially lethal effects.[1]
Moscow denies European sabotage allegations
The military analysis assesses that Russia has the capability to act against German forces and Ukrainian partners in Germany, and that its motivation may have increased. It lists possible aims including disrupting deliveries and training and weakening support for Ukraine. Russia denies involvement in sabotage and hybrid attacks in Europe. Moscow’s ambassador to Berlin previously rejected the Leipzig allegation and called the incident a provocation.[1], [2]
