The German military (Bundeswehr) has issued a warning regarding potential sabotage attacks orchestrated by Russia against German armed forces. This serious warning stems from an internal Bundeswehr document, which has been reported by WDR and the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”.
For the first time, the threat posed by Russian sabotage has been officially classified within the military as “substantial” (erheblich)-the second highest category on the armed forces’ assessment scale.
The basis for this heightened classification includes the recent discovery of multiple drones within the Federal Republic. In early August, an explosive-laden drone was found at Leipzig/Halle airport. Shortly after, a farmer in Wunstorf, located close to a key air force facility, accidentally discovered another drone. This second drone resembled the one found in Leipzig and was likely also rigged with explosives. While the incident at Leipzig seemed aimed at destroying Ukrainian cargo flights, the Wunstorf drone is believed to have been intended for use against Bundeswehr aircraft.
The official military analysis now states that these events underscore that Russia has possessed the capability, and very likely the increased intent, to strike against forces and facilities of the Bundeswehr, as well as partners such as Ukraine, while in Germany. The stated goal is “very likely an intent for dismemberment,” specifically focusing on weakening Germany’s political and societal support for Ukraine. Furthermore, the paper notes that Moscow has crossed a “red line of damaging intent with kinetic and/or lethal effect” directed against the Federal Republic and the Bundeswehr through the deployment of drones as kinetic weapons.
The document differentiates between the incidents: the Leipzig case could initially be viewed as posing an indirect threat to the Bundeswehr, but the Wunstorf incident strongly suggests a direct threat aimed at the armed forces. This assessment carries a prognosis of “short-term escalation,” indicating that further actions should be expected in the near future. This seriousness aligns with comments made by BND chief Martin Jäger in early October, who spoke of a “violent conflict with Russia.”
