HAMBURG, Germany (Agencies): Authorities in Hamburg are investigating a potential security breach after a drone was spotted near the British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth while it was docked in the city’s port. The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, has heightened concerns about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) conducting reconnaissance on sensitive military assets.
The drone, approximately 1.5 by 1.5 meters in size, was first reported by BILD journalists and later confirmed by Germany’s Bundeswehr. Police detected the drone as it hovered near the HMS Queen Elizabeth, which was visiting Hamburg to symbolize the close cooperation between Germany and the United Kingdom. Bundeswehr’s counter-drone unit attempted to neutralize the UAV using HP47 jammers, but the drone managed to evade capture, disappearing over a nearby container terminal.
This incident has raised alarm given the carrier’s high-profile presence and recent attempts to target critical infrastructure and military facilities across Germany. The Bundeswehr has placed its forces on heightened alert, and German authorities have launched a criminal investigation under Article 109g of the German Criminal Code, which addresses security-threatening surveillance.
The origin and purpose of the drone remain unknown, but experts believe it could have been conducting reconnaissance on the carrier. This breach underscores the evolving threats posed by drones in sensitive maritime zones, a concern echoed by similar incidents across Europe. The event highlights the urgent need for enhanced security protocols and international collaboration to mitigate UAV threats.
The HMS Queen Elizabeth, a symbol of British naval power and a centerpiece of joint military cooperation, is one of the largest and most advanced aircraft carriers in the world. Such incidents underline the vulnerabilities even highly secure assets face in the modern era, prompting renewed focus on counter-UAV technologies.