Warships in Germany, including the corvette ‘Emden’, are reportedly facing deliberate sabotage, prompting investigations by the Hamburg State Criminal Police. Incidents of targeted damage have raised security concerns, especially with metal shavings found in the ‘Emden’s’ propulsion system during a routine inspection. Amidst rising hybrid threats from Russia, German authorities have increased surveillance and security measures, responding to unauthorized drone activities and intrusions at naval bases as the geopolitical climate intensifies.
Deliberate Damage to Warships: The Case of ‘Emden’
Recent reports indicate that warships in Germany have been subjected to deliberate damage, raising serious concerns among naval authorities. Investigations suggest that the corvette ‘Emden’ may also be involved in these troubling incidents.
According to findings by various media outlets, security officials are probing a suspected act of sabotage involving the ‘Emden’. The Hamburg State Criminal Police Office is currently leading the inquiry into this matter.
Sabotage and Security Concerns
Jan Christian Kaack, the Inspector of the Navy, confirmed that there have been multiple instances of targeted sabotage against naval vessels in Germany. At a recent event in Berlin, he remarked on the alarming trend of destruction affecting several units, prompting the implementation of strict measures at shipyards.
Reports reveal that unidentified individuals may have infiltrated the ‘Emden’ by introducing metal shavings into its propulsion system. This discovery was made during a routine inspection at the Blohm+Voss shipyard just before the ship’s anticipated launch in mid-January. Experts caution that such debris could inflict significant damage if left undetected, potentially delaying the vessel’s delivery to the Bundeswehr.
In response to inquiries, a spokesperson for Blohm+Voss refrained from providing specific details about the incident, while both the Hamburg public prosecutor’s office and the State Criminal Police have opted to withhold information.
The urgency surrounding the ‘Emden’ is underscored by NATO’s warnings regarding a rise in hybrid threats from Russia, particularly in the Baltic Sea region. The corvette is essential for maritime surveillance, a critical function in the current geopolitical climate.
When the ‘Emden’ was commissioned in May 2023, the mayor of its sponsor city expressed pride in the ship’s representation of naval strength. Vice Admiral Frank Lenski emphasized its role in enhancing the fleet’s capabilities in northern waters.
The Bundeswehr has contracted the construction of five new class 130 corvettes for approximately two billion euros, with Naval Vessels Lürssen leading the project across various shipyards in northern Germany, including Blohm+Voss.
Increased Surveillance and Security Measures
In light of the incident involving the ‘Emden’, German authorities have been on high alert regarding a surge in suspected Russian espionage and sabotage activities throughout Europe. Reports of unauthorized drone overflights over military installations have become increasingly common, including sightings over the US military base at Ramstein.
Most recently, drones were detected over the air force base in Schwesing, Schleswig-Holstein, where Ukrainian soldiers are undergoing training in air defense systems. Unfortunately, security forces have struggled to intercept or track these unmanned aerial vehicles.
Inspector Kaack has expressed concern over these developments, noting that there have been additional instances of intrusions into naval bases and attempts to approach military personnel. He believes these actions may be testing the resolve of national and allied defenses.
In response to the rising threat from Russia, the Navy has implemented several measures since 2022, including heightened readiness of mine clearance forces and enhanced security protocols. Kaack emphasized that the urgency of these developments is more pronounced now than ever, with experts predicting a potential conflict with NATO in the near future.