Baltic Sea: German Navy exercises with drones in the Fehmarnbelt

Recently, incidents involving unidentified drones over sensitive or military infrastructure have become more frequent. For this reason, the German air defence frigate "Hamburg" was even on site in the Danish capital last weekend during the EU summit in Copenhagen - as a deterrent and protection against unmanned flying objects.

Flying drones for more safety

The frequency of disruptive actions, most of which are attributed to Russia, is increasing, particularly in the Baltic Sea. These include the destruction of submarine cables and the use of the shadow fleet, as well as the unauthorised intrusion of fighter aircraft and drones into the airspace of NATO countries.

For this reason, the military alliance has significantly increased its surveillance activities this year. Manoeuvres, as most recently Northern Coast 2025serve to increase effectiveness. Against this background, the German Navy has now announced a corresponding exercise in the Fehmarnbelt to secure and monitor the sea routes.

Training area north-east of Puttgarden

On Thursday 9 October, practice flights with small drones will be carried out between Fehmarn and the Danish island of Lolland. Sailors and pleasure boaters should not be alarmed by the aircraft. Flying over watercraft is not permitted according to the corresponding notice to mariners of the Baltic Sea Waterways and Shipping Authority is not planned anyway.

The exercise period runs from 8 am to 5 pm. The exercise area extends on the German side of the Fehmarnbelt north-east of Puttgarden and east of the ferry line to Rødbyhavn. It has not been announced what types of drones will be involved and whether floating naval units will also be involved.