Unmanned aerial vehicles persistently orbiting the Federal Police vessel for extended periods.
In the North Sea, a federal police patrol ship has reported an encounter with multiple drones while monitoring a Russian freighter en route to Belgium. According to a confidential situation report, the drones kept the police ship and the freighter under observation for approximately three hours.
The incident took place on May 17, around midnight, as the police ship, the "BP 81 Potsdam," monitored the "Lauga." The shipping lane where the incident occurred is around 140 kilometers north of the island of Borkum.
The officers could identify green and red position lights on the drones but were unable to ascertain their type. Recordings could not be made at night due to the limited capabilities of the available deployment means, the "Mirror" reported. It remains unclear whether the drones originated from the Russian freighter.
In an attempt to gather more information, the federal police have requested Belgian authorities to inspect the freighter upon arrival in its Belgian port. During the inspection, no indications of drones were found.
Recent reports suggest an increase in drone sightings over critical infrastructure and military facilities in Germany. While the exact origin of these drones is not specified in the available reports, European officials have voiced concerns about foreign adversaries, particularly Russia, using drones for espionage or sabotage activities.
As the drone threat evolves, Germany is taking steps to enhance security measures. For instance, they have authorized their military to shoot down unidentified drones, and they are exploring the use of passive radar technology and enhanced international cooperation.
In light of the incident involving drones and a Russian freighter in the North Sea, questions over foreign actors' intentions arise, as recent reports indicate an increase in drone sightings near critical infrastructure and military facilities in Germany. The German government, in response, is focusing on cybersecurity and technology within their politics, proposing measures such as the use of passive radar technology and strengthening international cooperation in the common foreign and security policy.
