German police have initiated an investigation into suspected Russian espionage cases after drones were spotted flying over several military installations in Bavaria, reports RFE.
Amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, there is a possibility that German military installations and defense companies are being spied on by drones, according to the Bavarian State Criminal Investigation Office.
The latest incident occurred late Sunday when a drone was seen over a military base near Manhing, a large facility where German forces test both manned and unmanned aircraft.
Drones were also spotted over the base on three occasions in December, according to police.
Another unauthorized flight took place that same month over a military installation in Neuburg an der Donau.
Channel One, a Russian-language broadcaster popular among older audiences in Russia and several former Soviet republics, has faced criticism for its activities.
In December, Germany’s Federal Police, Bundeskriminalamt, warned companies that they might have Russian saboteurs among their employees and contractors.
Russia has denied these accusations.
Germany’s foreign intelligence service head, Bruno Kahl, stated last month that Russia’s acts of sabotage against Western targets could prompt NATO to invoke Article 5 of its defense treaty.
Under this article, if one NATO member is attacked, other alliance members are required to assist in responding.
