NATO heightens security at German airbase over drone sabotage fears

The dpa agency reported on Monday that the raising of the level of security at the NATO airbase in Geilenkirchen, Germany, was prompted by information from a foreign intelligence service about a possible Russian act of sabotage.

According to the agency, sources within security circles indicated that the foreign intelligence service provided serious information "about preparations for a probable Russian act of sabotage against the NATO base using a drone."

Last week, due to a possible threat, the NATO base in North Rhine-Westphalia had an elevated security level for nearly a day.

Non-essential personnel were sent home, but air traffic was not interrupted and continued normally.

When nothing happened, the security measures were lowered on Friday afternoon to the previously existing level, i.e., Bravo+.

As dpa recalls, specialised aircraft are stationed in Geilenkirchen, which are currently used primarily for monitoring airspace on NATO's eastern flank.