Bundeswehr Investigates Drone sightings Near German-Belgian Border, Potential for Expanded Defense Role
Elsenborn, Belgium / Düren, germany – 2024/05/17 – Teh German military is investigating reports of 15 unidentified drones observed flying over a military site in Elsenborn, Belgium, on the night of 2024/05/16, and subsequently tracked towards Germany. The incident has prompted investigations by both Belgian and German authorities,raising questions about airspace security and potential vulnerabilities.
The drone sightings, initially reported by Belgian media, occurred over a military installation near the German border. According to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken, local police on both sides of the border confirmed observing the flight objects.”It is indeed certain that the local police have spotted several drones, both on the Belgian and on the German side,” Francken stated to broadcaster RTBF. The drones reportedly continued their trajectory from the Netherlands into German airspace.
Police in Düren, Germany, confirmed receiving reports of lights in the sky on 2024/05/17, though they noted it remained unconfirmed whether the sightings where definitively drones.Initial reports to the Westphalian Anzeiger (WA) indicated that the Federal Police, Bundeswehr, and Federal Ministry of the Interior were unaware of the incident as of Friday morning.
The incident underscores growing concerns about the potential for unauthorized drone activity near sensitive military infrastructure and may lead to discussions about expanding the Bundeswehr’s role in drone defense. Authorities are currently working to determine the origin and purpose of the drones, and the inquiry is ongoing.
