Germany is investigating potential sabotage on a newly commissioned warship after metal shavings were discovered in its engine system, according to local media reports. The corvette-class Emden, intended for deployment in the Baltic Sea, was found to have several dozen kilograms of metal shavings during an inspection at a Hamburg shipyard last month.
The discovery could have caused significant damage to the vessel had it not been detected before its first departure. The German Navy has commissioned a total of five corvette-class ships, including the Emden, which is set for maritime surveillance duties.
A shipyard spokesperson confirmed that the Emden recently completed a successful sea trial but declined further comment on the incident. The Hamburg regional prosecutor’s office and local criminal police are now investigating the matter.
While no evidence linking Moscow to the incident has been provided, Germany and other NATO countries suspect Russia could be behind covert actions targeting the West. Recent incidents involving drone sightings over military and industrial sites in Germany have raised similar concerns.
German Navy Chief Jan Christian Kaack refrained from commenting on the sabotage allegations regarding the Emden but acknowledged that several German warships had previously sustained damage due to acts of sabotage. He stated, “Our assessment: We are being tested,” without specifying who the Navy suspects is responsible for these acts.
Kaack also emphasized the growing threat from Russia, noting that experts and intelligence services agree that Russia will be in a position to seek conflict with NATO by 2029. This incident highlights the need for enhanced vigilance and security measures to protect German military assets.