- Suggestions of Russian underhanded activities preceding the Geilenkirchen alert
The heightened security at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen, near Aachen, was prompted by intel indicating a potential threat from Russia. Sources in German security circles told the German Press Agency about allegations of Russian sabotage plans against NATO, potentially utilizing a drone.
Last week, the base in North Rhine-Westphalia saw its second-highest security level enacted for nearly 24 hours. Following the absence of any incidents, the security was reduced back to its initial level, Bravo+. Achieving the second-highest security level, Charlie, signifies an indication of likely terrorist action against the alliance, according to NATO's terminology. This was a precautionary move, a NATO spokesperson clarified. Due to the warning, all non-essential personnel had been sent home earlier.
The NATO airport at Geilenkirchen serves as a prominent base for Awacs surveillance aircraft, mainly used for airspace monitoring within the eastern alliance region. The spokesperson revealed that around 1,600 individuals typically work at the NATO airbase, but fewer people are present now as Awacs aircraft have been operating from merely two Turkish and Norwegian airbases since Monday's commencement. NATO dismisses threat-related reasons as the cause behind the temporary relocation in Geilenkirchen, citing organizational purposes.
When asked to comment on Monday's rumors about a Russian attack against the German site, the spokesperson stayed mum on the issue. So far, no drones have been reported in the base's airspace, the spokesperson confirmed.
Security concerns: Russia growing increasingly risky with drone flights
In other security circles, rising concerns have arisen over Russia's increasing reckless behavior in using drones above German military installations, including locations hosting Ukrainian soldiers for training.
Within NATO, the defense alliance's support for Ukraine is viewed as a potential motivator for sabotage attempts against military bases. This speculation holds that Moscow aims to stir fear among member states, thereby potentially jeopardizing military assistance to Ukraine.
Few believe that drones could inflict significant damage to the base in Geilenkirchen, given that NATO airbases are typically equipped with highly effective air defense systems.
Should any drones be used, they are likely to be civilian drones, modified for payloads such as explosives, according to security sources. For example, freight drones capable of carrying explosives could be employed.
Fears of sabotage
Recent apprehensions about sabotage have surfaced at various German military bases. On investigation, however, all concerns were alleviated. Indebtedly, authorities, including police and state security, investigated a security breach at Cologne-Wahn Air Force Base's water supply due to suspected contamination of the drinking water.
Security experts attribute the repeated drone flights above crucial infrastructure in Schleswig-Holstein to Russia. The public prosecutor's office in Flensburg announced an inquiry under suspicion of "spying with a goal to sabotage". Suspicious airspace surveillance has taken place over ChemCoast Park in Brunsbüttel since early August.
Suspicious activity also surfaced in Geilenkirchen. According to reports, a perpetrator in the area was detained for questioning, although no grounds were found to support the allegations against them. Last week, the WDR reported of an unnamed foreign intelligence service tip warning of potential drone attacks by Russian entities on the NATO support point in Geilenkirchen.
The NATO airport at Geilenkirchen, being a prominent base for Awacs surveillance aircraft, is located in Germany. Despite the rumors about a potential Russian attack, no drones have been reported in the base's airspace.
