The Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein, Daniel Günther, has called for a firm response to recent drone incursions across multiple European nations, including Schleswig-Holstein. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Günther stated that the incidents appear primarily aimed at generating insecurity and destabilization. He characterized these drone operations, alongside online disinformation and potential acts of espionage and sabotage, as tools of hybrid warfare.
Günther emphasized the appropriateness of the strong reactions expressed by neighboring Denmark and urged a similarly decisive and robust response across Europe. He underscored the need for Germany to swiftly develop and implement effective drone defense capabilities to safeguard critical infrastructure and the population.
The Minister-President expressed confidence that Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, collaborating with regional authorities, will rapidly develop and enact a comprehensive plan. Günther welcomed Dobrindt’s announced intention to strengthen Germany’s drone defense capabilities and expand the Bundeswehr’s authority to counter potential threats.
Following the drone sightings, significant concern arose within the German government. Senior security officials informed “Der Spiegel” that the incidents quickly became apparent as a targeted effort to survey critical infrastructure. The deployment of a “mother drone” accompanied by multiple smaller drones triggered immediate alerts.
While authorities did not deem the activity to constitute a direct threat, they suspect the drones were used to map ground-based infrastructure. The overflights also appear to have served as a test of the response capabilities of authorities and the Bundeswehr. Current assessments, based on available information, suggest the drone swarm may have been launched from a civilian vessel linked to what is referred to as the Russian shadow fleet, operating north of Rostock in the Baltic Sea. Due to the inability to detect the drone launch with standard radar systems, this remains a working hypothesis, pending definitive confirmation. The whereabouts of the suspected vessel remain unconfirmed.