Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the recent surge in drone incidents across Germany and other EU/NATO states as a serious security threat, specifically implicating Russia as being behind most of these flights. Airports in Munich, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen were notably affected, causing considerable disruption. However, no incidents involving armed drones have been reported yet; the events appear to be reconnaissance and attempts to unsettle the population. Merz emphasized the need to strengthen drone defense capabilities, including potential Bundeswehr involvement in domestic drone shootings, legislative changes, and the establishment of a centralized drone defense center. The Kremlin denied responsibility, with spokesman Dmitri Peskow calling accusations against Russia baseless. Merz also highlighted the broader Russian objective to disrupt the postwar security order in Europe and stressed the importance of NATO strengthening to deter potential aggression against countries like Moldova, the Baltic States, and Poland.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the recent surge in drone incidents across Germany and other EU/NATO states as a serious security threat, specifically implicating Russia as being behind most of these flights. Airports in Munich, Frankfurt, and Copenhagen were notably affected, causing considerable disruption. However, no incidents involving armed drones have been reported yet; the events appear to be reconnaissance and attempts to unsettle the population. Merz emphasized the need to strengthen drone defense capabilities, including potential Bundeswehr involvement in domestic drone shootings, legislative changes, and the establishment of a centralized drone defense center. The Kremlin denied responsibility, with spokesman Dmitri Peskow calling accusations against Russia baseless. Merz also highlighted the broader Russian objective to disrupt the postwar security order in Europe and stressed the importance of NATO strengthening to deter potential aggression against countries like Moldova, the Baltic States, and Poland.