Germany cites hybrid warfare after drone incidents

Germany's interior minister says the country faces hybrid warfare, including espionage, sabotage, cyberattacks, and covert actions, in connection with a drone with explosives found at Leipzig/Halle airport. Drones were later spotted near the Bundeswehr base at Mechernich, prompting military police involvement and a police investigation, amid concerns about storage for Patriot missiles. The Leipzig/Halle incident involved an explosive device and damage to a DHL aircraft, heightening worries about Russia-linked or other adversaries, though officials have not publicly blamed Moscow and Russia has dismissed the claims as provocation. The episodes fit a broader European pattern of drone sightings near military sites and airports as countries bolster defenses and explore anti-drone capabilities. Discussions about expanding anti-drone capabilities are underway. Globally, Israel has warned of rising attempts to deploy explosive drones, noting a lack of an immediate operational solution.