Unidentified Drones Attempt to Locate Germany’s Arrow-3 Air Defense Systems

German military officials reported an incident involving three unidentified drones that attempted to locate Germany’s Arrow-3 air defense missile systems.

The incident took place on December 1, 2025, over the Annaburg air base in the federal state of Saxony-Anhalt, but was only reported recently, according to DW.

The Bundeswehr shared that the drones were detected at an altitude of approximately 100 meters above the military installation.

A rapid response unit deployed its own armed drone, which succeeded in identifying one of the UAVs but was unable to shoot it down.

Military commanders believe the drones were conducting reconnaissance, with the aim of determining the precise location of the Arrow-3 air defense systems.

This U.S.–Israeli system is capable of intercepting missiles at high altitude and was recently inducted into service with the German armed forces.

Following the incident, law enforcement authorities opened a criminal investigation. The investigation is currently ongoing.