German Investigators Probe Suspected Russian Vessel Over Drone Flights

German authorities are investigating potential links between unidentified drones spotted in northern Germany last month and a cargo vessel believed to be part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet.” 

The Gaze reports, referring to Der Spiegel.

The vessel, roughly 100 meters long, was detected in the Baltic Sea near Kiel at the same time drones were observed over Schleswig-Holstein. 

Security officials cited the ship’s behavior and route data as raising suspicions that the unmanned aircraft could be connected to it.

Experts note the vessel is technically capable of launching and recovering large surveillance drones, including fixed-wing models with wingspans exceeding four meters. 

At the end of September, such a drone, accompanied by smaller UAVs, was reported flying over strategically sensitive infrastructure in the region.

While the ship was positioned several dozen kilometers from the observed drones, it remained outside German territorial waters. Investigators say drone operations over such distances are feasible with satellite support. 

After leaving Kiel Bay, the vessel headed east and docked in a Russian port days later. Officials suspect it is part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet,” though it is not on the EU’s sanctions list, which currently covers more than 440 vessels.

The revelations come amid heightened concern in Berlin over drone incursions. The German government is weighing new rules that would allow the military to shoot down drones if they pose an immediate threat to human life or critical infrastructure and if other defenses are inadequate.

The risks were underscored overnight on October 3, when Munich Airport was forced to halt operations following drone alerts, resulting in dozens of canceled flights.

As The Gaze previously reported, according to Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, the EU could significantly boost its ability to detect drones within a year, but building a comprehensive defense shield stretching across land and sea borders will take much longer.