Two unidentified drones were spotted flying over a military base in western Germany just days after a bomb-equipped drone was found at Leipzig airport last week. The drones’ origins remain unknown.
On Sunday, 9 Aug 2026, the German military confirmed that two drones were seen near a base in Mechernich, close to Bonn, on the evening of Thursday, 6 Aug. Reports indicate the base stores parts of the U.S.-manufactured Patriot air defense system.
A female spokesperson for the German Joint Armed Forces Command stated that military police secured the area before handing the matter over to local police for further investigation.
This is the latest case of drones being spotted near military bases or airports in several European countries supporting Ukraine in its war with Russia. Many accuse Russia of orchestrating these disruptions, although the Kremlin has consistently denied involvement.
Alexander Dobrindt, Germany’s Interior Minister, told the newspaper Bild on Sunday that Germany has become a frequent target of attacks aimed at “destroying stability.”
Germany is currently intensifying its investigation into how the bomb-equipped drone found at Leipzig/Halle airport last week managed to reach the runway. The airport is used by NATO, the German military, and serves as a base for Ukraine’s Antonov Airlines.
When the BBC inquired about the suspected origins of the drones spotted over Mechernich on Sunday, the German military declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation.
However, local German media reported that the base stores equipment and spare parts critical for maintaining the Patriot missile system, which is vital to Ukraine’s ability to intercept Russian cruise missiles since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on allied countries to send more military equipment, warning that Ukraine is running low on interceptor missiles.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously suggested he would grant Russia a license to produce the Patriot defense system independently, stated last week that no such agreement ever existed.
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Source:bbc