German authorities are investigating a series of mysterious drone sightings over critical infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein, the country’s northernmost state, raising concerns about security and foreign surveillance at a time of heightened alert across NATO. The incidents, which occurred overnight between September 25 and 26, 2025, have prompted an official inquiry and renewed debate about the risks posed by unidentified aerial vehicles in sensitive areas.
According to a report by Der Spiegel, multiple drones were observed over a range of key sites in and around Kiel—the state capital—including a power plant, a university hospital, a shipyard, and several governmental buildings. The Heide oil refinery and a military base in Sanitz, located in the neighboring state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, were also reportedly targeted by these drone flights. The sightings were not limited to a single type of device: Regional Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack told Schleswig-Holstein’s state parliament that flying objects of “various types and sizes” had been spotted during the incident.
In a public statement to the legal committee of the Schleswig-Holstein parliament on October 1, Sütterlin-Waack confirmed the reports, saying, “Drone-like aircraft were observed and reported in the Dithmarschen region, in the district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde, as well as over Kiel — including above critical infrastructure and military facilities.” The official, a member of the Christian Democratic Union, emphasized the seriousness of these incursions, especially given the proximity of Schleswig-Holstein to Denmark and the presence of vital infrastructure in the region.
The investigation is being led by Chief Public Prosecutor Stephanie Gropp, who confirmed that authorities are actively probing the circumstances surrounding the drone flights. While details about the origins and operators of the drones remain unclear, the fact that such a variety of sites—including a maritime defense technology provider’s factory, as reported by Der Spiegel—were targeted has fueled speculation about potential espionage or acts of provocation.
The timing of these incidents is particularly sensitive. Across Europe, NATO countries are on high alert following a spate of airspace violations and drone-related events linked to Russia and its neighbors. In recent weeks, Polish forces reportedly shot down Russian drones violating their airspace, while Estonia experienced a breach by a Russian fighter jet. Denmark, which shares a border with Schleswig-Holstein, has also seen a surge in drone activity near critical sites. These developments have prompted German authorities to strengthen their drone defenses, working in coordination with other northern states to bolster surveillance and response capabilities.
Despite the alarm raised by the sightings, officials have urged caution against jumping to conclusions. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt addressed the issue on October 1, stating, “I will explicitly say that not every drone controlled by foreign powers is automatically a threat either.” He added that while some incidents could be interpreted as provocations—referring specifically to the recent events in Schleswig-Holstein—authorities must “respond appropriately” based on the assessed level of risk. Dobrindt’s comments reflect a broader effort to balance vigilance with measured response, avoiding unnecessary escalation while ensuring public safety.
According to Der Spiegel, the pattern of the drone flights was both unusual and concerning. On the night of September 25, two small drones were spotted over the Kiel factory premises of TKMS, a prominent maritime defense technologies provider. Later that evening, a “combined drone formation” was observed over the university hospital and a local power plant. Additional sightings were reported over governmental buildings and the Heide oil refinery, suggesting a coordinated effort to monitor or disrupt multiple critical sites in a short time frame. The following day, further suspicious drone activity was detected above a military base in Sanitz, extending the scope of the incidents beyond Schleswig-Holstein.
The federal government has so far declined to comment in detail on the ongoing investigation. Officials at the Federal Interior and Defense ministries, as well as state authorities, did not immediately respond to requests from the Associated Press for further information. Federal police, when contacted, deferred to prosecutors, underscoring the seriousness and sensitivity of the probe.
For residents and local officials in northern Germany, the drone sightings have raised uncomfortable questions about the security of essential infrastructure. Schleswig-Holstein is home to key energy, health, and defense assets, making it a potential target for surveillance or disruption by hostile actors. The proximity to Denmark and the recent uptick in regional drone incidents only add to the sense of vulnerability. In response, Sütterlin-Waack told the dpa news agency that the state has been working closely with neighboring regions to strengthen drone defenses and improve real-time monitoring of airspace over critical facilities.
Yet, as Dobrindt’s remarks highlight, there is a fine line between vigilance and overreaction. Not every drone in the sky is necessarily a tool of espionage or sabotage. Some may be commercial or privately owned devices, while others could be operated by foreign powers seeking to test defenses or provoke a response. “Some incidents could be seen as ‘provocation’ — as was the case in the sightings last week in Schleswig-Holstein,” Dobrindt said, urging measured and evidence-based responses from authorities.
The broader context is hard to ignore. In recent years, drones have become an increasingly common feature in both civilian and military spheres, offering new capabilities but also introducing new risks. The rapid proliferation of affordable and sophisticated drone technology has made it easier for state and non-state actors alike to conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, or even threaten critical infrastructure without detection. For countries like Germany, which sit at the crossroads of European security, the challenge is to adapt quickly—strengthening defenses, improving detection, and ensuring that incidents like those in Schleswig-Holstein are investigated thoroughly and transparently.
As the investigation continues, officials and the public alike are left waiting for answers. Who was behind the drone flights? What were their objectives? And, perhaps most importantly, how can Germany and its allies ensure that such incidents do not escalate or compromise vital infrastructure in the future? For now, the skies over Schleswig-Holstein remain under close watch, a stark reminder of the new and evolving threats facing modern Europe.
