Drone sightings over Kiel: Russian shadow fleet under suspicion

The drones that were apparently flying over Kiel for espionage purposes at the end of September could have a connection to the Russian shadow fleet. This was reported by the news magazine Spiegel, which cited information from investigative circles.

According to the report, investigators are following indications that an approximately 100-metre-long freighter, which was travelling in the Baltic Sea near Kiel during the drone sightings, could be connected to the events. Driving behaviour as well as frame and location data would suggest this, Spiegel claims to have learned from security circles.

Onward journey to Russia

According to the report, the ship had the technical requirements to launch larger drones such as fixed-wing aircraft. A few days after crossing the Kiel Fjord, the ship landed in a Russian harbour. The crew is said to have consisted mainly of Russian nationals.

Fixed-wing drones, i.e. drones with fixed, aeroplane-like wings, which differ significantly from the typical quadrocopters, were also observed over Kiel. Such drones usually have a larger wingspan – A drone with a wingspan of more than four meters was spotted in Kiel. Fixed-wing aircraft can fly significantly higher and further than conventional multicopters. Experts assume that these models belong to professional and often state actors, as they are clearly superior in terms of flight performance and carrying capacity.

Control from the ship probably technically possible

The suspicious ship is sailing under the flag of a Caribbean state. According to information from Der Spiegel, it was in conspicuous proximity to the aircraft during the drone sightings, but outside German territorial waters. The distance was several dozen kilometers in each case. Control over such distances is technically possible, possibly with satellite support.

In another case at the beginning of September, the cargo ship "Scanlark" was searched in Kiel and is suspected of having launched a drone from the ship, which was used to take targeted images of a naval vessel. Investigations are currently underway against five Russian crew members on charges including agent activity and suspected sabotage.

The Russian shadow fleet refers to numerous mainly old and often poorly maintained oil tankers that Russia uses to circumvent international sanctions and continue exporting oil at world market prices. Some ships are also equipped with suspicious communication technology and are said to be involved in sabotage activities – to damage submarine cables in the Baltic Sea, for example.

(nen)