Official statements from the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office or Munich Public Prosecutor General's Office

Germany Probes 10 Drone Sightings Over Eurofighter Site, Suspects Russian Espionage

Jan 13, 2025, 02:12 PM

German authorities are investigating the sighting of up to 10 drones flying over military facilities in Bavaria, specifically over the Eurofighter production site in Manching and another military base in Neuburg an der Donau. The incidents, which occurred on Sunday evening, are part of a series of drone sightings reported in recent months, including previous occurrences in December. The Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, along with the Munich Public Prosecutor General's Office, is leading the investigation, suspecting possible espionage by Airbus Defence and Space linked to Russia's war in Ukraine. Despite intensive searches, including the use of a police helicopter, the operators of the drones have not been identified. The sites involved are significant for military aviation, with Manching being a key location for Eurofighter development by Airbus in the military security zone.