The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are conducting a three-day military exercise, “Red Storm Bravo” in Hamburg, focusing on rapid troop deployment, heavy equipment relocation and preparedness for a range of potential threats. Commander of the Hamburg Regional Command, Captain Kurt Leonards, has indicated heightened vigilance regarding potential reconnaissance activities.
Leonards reported an increased number of drone sightings near the Bundeswehr’s Iserbrook barracks, stating that efforts to intercept the drones have so far been unsuccessful. The exercise, involving approximately 500 soldiers, will simulate various scenarios including the operation of checkpoints, the management of a potential mass casualty event at the Blohm+Voss shipyard and defence against drone incursions.
The exercise is being undertaken against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, with Leonards emphasizing its purpose in demonstrating a “credible deterrence” in response to a possible escalation of the conflict between Russia and NATO. A significant focus of “Red Storm Bravo” is the simulation of “hybrid threats” encompassing scenarios such as contamination of the water supply and widespread power outages. According to Leonards, training to effectively manage such complex and potentially disruptive incidents is a critical priority.