German C-130 Targeted in Fireworks Attack

Unknown individuals fired a pyrotechnic rocket at a German C-130 military transport aircraft.

Der Spiegel reported on this.

The incident occurred last week at the Celle airbase in Lower Saxony. According to the report, shortly after the C-130 transport plane took off, unknown persons fired pyrotechnics in its direction. The event took place on Friday at around 12:00 p.m.

The aircraft was not damaged, and the pilots immediately alerted air traffic controllers about the threat. Following the incident, both the Bundeswehr and the police launched an investigation.

The Bundeswehr noted that such incidents are extremely rare, although pilots are occasionally blinded by laser pointers.

Based on the description, the pyrotechnics fired resembled a New Year’s rocket – producing a bright flash followed by an explosion. Since the incident occurred at midday, an intentional act cannot be ruled out.

The military and federal police immediately searched the surrounding area but initially found nothing. According to Celle police, a case was opened under the article concerning dangerous interference with air traffic.

The area was also searched using a service dog trained to detect explosives, but no evidence that could aid the investigation has been found so far.

It’s worth noting that this is the first attack on Bundeswehr military equipment in the past year.

Back in August, it was reported that unknown individuals set fire to German military service vehicles parked overnight in Kassel.

According to preliminary findings by the criminal police, the incident was an intentional arson. Since the direct sabotage cannot be ruled out, the case was transferred to the State Security Department.

The fire completely destroyed the vehicles. Preliminary estimates put the damage at around €150,000.