Russian Sabotage Attempt Reported Against NATO AWACS Base in Germany

According to reports from the German Ministry of Defense, the NATO base in Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia, was the target of a planned Russian sabotage attempt, based on current security reports and intelligence findings.

Last week, the base’s security level was temporarily raised to the second-highest level due to a serious threat assessment indicating potential drone attacks. The warning, which came from a foreign intelligence agency, suggested preparations for a Russian drone strike.

Russia aimed to direct drones at the NATO base, which houses 14 Boeing E-3A AWACS aircraft. These planes are crucial for monitoring and controlling airspace in the eastern NATO area. The drones were primarily spotted in the vicinity of the base at night, traveling at speeds of up to 100 km/h, performing maneuvers, and frequently changing altitude and lighting.

German security agencies are currently investigating the origin of these drones, considering possibilities such as Russian ships in the North and Baltic Seas or from Kaliningrad.

During the temporary increase in security level, non-essential personnel were sent home, but flight operations continued normally. No drones were sighted in the airspace over the base, and officials declined to comment on the specifics of the threat.

Geilenkirchen is known for its AWACS aircraft, equipped with radar systems capable of detecting aircraft up to 400 kilometers away. Security measures have been heightened recently due to the reassessment of threats in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In addition, security precautions have been strengthened at several Bundeswehr sites, including Geilenkirchen. There have been recent incidents where sabotage was suspected, but these suspicions have not been confirmed following investigations.

Police are continuing to investigate suspicious activities near the base, but so far, the initial suspicions have not been substantiated.