Germany investigates alleged ‘sabotage’ of warship
Media outlets reported that several kilograms of metal shavings were discovered in the engine system of the new corvette. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Several kilograms of metal shavings have been discovered in the engine system of Germany's newly commissioned corvette, according to various media outlets.
Germany has initiated an investigation into possible sabotage concerning the warship after local reports revealed the significant presence of metal shavings. This discovery, which was made during an inspection at a Hamburg shipyard last month just before the vessel's inaugural departure, was reported by outlets including the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR.
The 89-meter-long corvette, named Emden, is designed for operations in the Baltic Sea and had not yet been handed over to the German Navy at the time of the finding. The presence of the shavings could have resulted in considerable damage had they gone undetected, the reports indicated.
The German Navy has ordered a total of five corvette-class ships, Emden being among them, and the ship is slated for use in maritime surveillance roles.
A spokesperson from the shipyard mentioned that the Emden had recently completed “a successful sea trial,” but they declined to provide any additional comments on the situation.
Currently, the Hamburg regional prosecutor’s office, in collaboration with local criminal police, is conducting an investigation into the matter.
While there is no direct evidence connecting Russia to this incident, the report noted that Germany and other NATO members suspect Russia might be involved in covert operations targeting Western interests.
The article also referenced a recent police inquiry into drone sightings over a northern German air base used for training Ukrainian forces, indicating a rising trend of drone activity over military and industrial locations in Germany.
German Navy Chief Jan Christian Kaack spoke to reporters on Tuesday but did not specifically address the sabotage claims related to the Emden. He pointed out that several German naval vessels have previously experienced damage from acts of sabotage.
“Our assessment: We are being tested,” he stated, without naming any specific suspects.
Kaack further emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “The growing threat from Russia is more pressing at the beginning of 2025 than it was two years ago. Experts and intelligence services agree that Russia will be in a position to seek conflict with NATO from 2029 onwards."
In response, Russia has rejected any intention of attacking NATO countries, with President Vladimir Putin labeling Western warnings of Russian aggression as “nonsense” designed to incite fear and boost defense funding.
The metal shavings incident comes amid a series of events involving damage to vital infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, leading to speculation about a possible Russian involvement. However, Western officials have held back from making explicit accusations against Moscow.
The Kremlin has dismissed the claims of its involvement as “absurd.”
Meanwhile, NATO has ramped up its presence and increased patrols in the Baltic Sea, citing concerns over a perceived Russian threat and the need to protect undersea infrastructure.
The Baltic Sea, crucial for Russian naval operations and energy transport, has been described by Moscow as becoming an “internal lake of NATO” following the recent inclusion of Finland and Sweden in the alliance, which has limited Russia's control to a small stretch of coastline.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
Germany has initiated an investigation into possible sabotage concerning the warship after local reports revealed the significant presence of metal shavings. This discovery, which was made during an inspection at a Hamburg shipyard last month just before the vessel's inaugural departure, was reported by outlets including the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR.
The 89-meter-long corvette, named Emden, is designed for operations in the Baltic Sea and had not yet been handed over to the German Navy at the time of the finding. The presence of the shavings could have resulted in considerable damage had they gone undetected, the reports indicated.
The German Navy has ordered a total of five corvette-class ships, Emden being among them, and the ship is slated for use in maritime surveillance roles.
A spokesperson from the shipyard mentioned that the Emden had recently completed “a successful sea trial,” but they declined to provide any additional comments on the situation.
Currently, the Hamburg regional prosecutor’s office, in collaboration with local criminal police, is conducting an investigation into the matter.
While there is no direct evidence connecting Russia to this incident, the report noted that Germany and other NATO members suspect Russia might be involved in covert operations targeting Western interests.
The article also referenced a recent police inquiry into drone sightings over a northern German air base used for training Ukrainian forces, indicating a rising trend of drone activity over military and industrial locations in Germany.
German Navy Chief Jan Christian Kaack spoke to reporters on Tuesday but did not specifically address the sabotage claims related to the Emden. He pointed out that several German naval vessels have previously experienced damage from acts of sabotage.
“Our assessment: We are being tested,” he stated, without naming any specific suspects.
Kaack further emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “The growing threat from Russia is more pressing at the beginning of 2025 than it was two years ago. Experts and intelligence services agree that Russia will be in a position to seek conflict with NATO from 2029 onwards."
In response, Russia has rejected any intention of attacking NATO countries, with President Vladimir Putin labeling Western warnings of Russian aggression as “nonsense” designed to incite fear and boost defense funding.
The metal shavings incident comes amid a series of events involving damage to vital infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, leading to speculation about a possible Russian involvement. However, Western officials have held back from making explicit accusations against Moscow.
The Kremlin has dismissed the claims of its involvement as “absurd.”
Meanwhile, NATO has ramped up its presence and increased patrols in the Baltic Sea, citing concerns over a perceived Russian threat and the need to protect undersea infrastructure.
The Baltic Sea, crucial for Russian naval operations and energy transport, has been described by Moscow as becoming an “internal lake of NATO” following the recent inclusion of Finland and Sweden in the alliance, which has limited Russia's control to a small stretch of coastline.
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
