Introduction
In recent years, drone attacks and sabotage incidents have been increasing worldwide. Europe, in particular, experienced a serious incident in the fall of 2025 that could have been described as "the closest moment to war since World War II." European security is facing a major test, with incidents such as a Russian suicide drone intrusion over Polish airspace, the closure of Munich Airport, and arson attacks on high-voltage power lines in Berlin.
This article uses facts to clearly explain "why this incident happened," "what the dangers are," and "what will happen in the future." It is written for general readers interested in security issues, with explanations of technical terms, and is structured for easy reading online.
Chapter 1: What is the "biggest security crisis since World War II" facing Europe?
On September 9, 2025, a suicide drone from Russia entered Polish airspace, marking the first time since NATO's founding that multiple drones had entered and been shot down within the airspace of a NATO member state.
Core part:
"The closest we've come to war since World War II": These were the words of Polish Prime Minister Tonske.
NATO's first suicide drone incursion: the first large-scale attack since NATO's founding in 1949.
The planes flew over Ukraine and headed towards Poland, with some being shot down: 74 were shot down by Ukrainian forces, and the remaining 19 entered Polish airspace.
This fact means that "Russia's ability to intercept suicide drones is insufficient." Multiple emergency NATO consultations have been held under Article IV of the North Atlantic Treaty, and the heightened tensions in the security system are clear.
Major incidents:
- Suicide drone intrudes into Polish airspace (September 9)
- Munich Airport in Germany closed twice (October 2nd and 3rd).
- Denmark-Norway airport temporarily closed (September 22)
- Russian fighter jets intrude into Estonian airspace (September 19)
These incidents are being analyzed as part of a "hybrid attack," a complex threat combining military attacks, cyberattacks, and covert operations.
Chapter 2: Explanation of specific facts and reasons
Point 1: The difference between suicide drones and floating drones
There are two main types of drones used in the incident.
[Suicide Drone (Kamikaze Type)]
- It has horizontal wings and flies at high speed.
- The warhead is filled with high-performance explosives (some are capable of producing miniature nuclear bombs).
- Used for "suicide purposes" (precision attacks by AI are the mainstream).
- One unit costs less than $20,000 (approximately 3 million yen) (general-purpose drones with grenades start from tens of thousands of yen).
[Floating Drone]
- It floats like a helicopter with four rotors and locks onto its target.
- Main weapon for reconnaissance and photography (small/lightweight)
- Large aircraft capable of dropping bombs from the air
This type was the most commonly observed at Munich Airport and other locations.
Important facts:
- The suicide drone is a "high-speed flight type with horizontal wings."
- Floating drones are "helicopter-type with rotor blades."
Point 2: Why were European airports closed?
Munich Airport prohibited passenger planes from taking off and landing on two separate occasions, the nights of October 2nd and 3rd. The reasons are as follows:
[Reason for closure]
- Because a floating drone was spotted in the sky.
- Because the true nature of the matter was not fully understood.
- Because defensive measures were taken out of consideration for the safety of citizens.
[Economic Impact]
- At least 187 flights were canceled at Munich Airport.
- Many passengers stayed overnight in makeshift beds at the airport.
- Two airport closures in approximately 24 hours (worst on record)
Point 3: Limitations and challenges of interceptor systems
European countries are lagging behind in their drone countermeasures. The reasons for this include the following:
[Police lacking equipment]
- They do not have anti-aircraft guns to shoot down drones.
誘 - There is also a shortage of jamming devices that block conductive waves.
- They do not possess any special drones for capturing other drones.
[Restrictions on the deployment of federal forces within Japan]
- In Germany, "military action within the country" is prohibited.
- Anti-aircraft missiles and machine guns are only possessed by the military.
- The law needs to be amended, but that will take time.
[The economic irrationality of interception]
- Interceptor missiles for suicide drones cost at least $1 million each (approximately 150 million yen).
- Intercepting with fighter jets and air-to-air missiles would incur additional costs and risks.
- The issue of "defense cost-effectiveness" has emerged in various European countries, and solutions are being considered.
[Specific solutions]
The German government is considering the following measures:
- Providing police with weapons for shooting down drones (such as jamming equipment)
- Amendment to the law to allow the deployment of federal troops within the country
- Establishment of a "Drone Defense Center"
Point 4: The reality of hybrid attacks
Russia's activities, known as the "shadow fleet," are also a cause for concern.
[Specific incidents]
- Damage to communication cables connecting Finland and Estonia (at least 5 incidents)
- Damage to submarine cables caused by ships in Denmark and Norway
[Package Explosion Incident]
A time-delay incendiary device was planted in a package shipped from Lithuania, which caused an incident at a German distribution center in July 2024. The device ignited on the plane, preventing major damage. Similar packages have also been found in the UK and Poland.
[Power outage in Berlin]
High-voltage power lines were set on fire in four locations in Berlin, affecting approximately 35,000 households and causing a massive blackout that lasted about 60 hours. Local newspapers reported it as "the longest blackout since World War II."
Chapter 3: Supplementary Information and Future Prospects
The "connection to Japan" of the drone attacks
The struggles experienced by European countries are important case studies for Japan as well. Japan has also experienced the following incidents:
[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers]
A drone shot of a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer was taken and spread on social media, highlighting the need to improve surveillance and alert systems.
[Around the nuclear power plant]
There have been numerous reports of drones frequently appearing near nuclear power plants in the Sea of Japan area. Because it is difficult to distinguish between civilian and attack drones, security measures continue to be strengthened.
Answer to the question "Why Russia?"
In European political circles and public discourse, there is a view that "Russia is behind this." However, the Russian government denies any responsibility.
[Points made by a Russian studies expert]
Alexander Dubovi, a Russian studies scholar from Kazakhstan who lives in Austria, offers the following analysis:
- "We don't know if it was done under direct orders or if it was an individual's doing."
- "This is intended to cause anxiety among European citizens and complicate the issue surrounding the war in Ukraine," they pointed out.
[EU response]
The EU is urgently working on building a "drone defense." Specifically, the following points are currently being discussed:
- Development of an interceptor system against suicide drones
- Experiential learning and technology sharing from Ukraine
- Strengthening cooperation among all NATO member states
The reality is that "defense is not easy."
The German government is also in a difficult position regarding the cause of the closure of Munich Airport. The reasons for this include the following:
[Legal hurdles to interception]
- There are concerns that drone debris could fall and cause damage to civilians and buildings.
- The police currently lack the weapons to shoot down the enemy.
- Delays in response due to restrictions on the deployment of federal forces within the country
"Future prospects and lessons for Japan"
The struggles that Europe is experiencing are an important case study for Japan as well.
[Protection of critical infrastructure]
- The risk of attacks on "civilian infrastructure" such as airports and power plants is increasing.
- Investment in the development of drone defense technology is necessary.
- We will consider our own countermeasures while referencing those of NATO and the EU.
Summary: In this new era of security, how should we act?
In light of the recent drone threat incident in Europe, what should we consider and how should we act?
What is "the closest moment to war since World War II"?
This is not simply a military conflict, but a new form of security called "hybrid attack." The combination of suicide drones, hovering drones, sabotage, and cyberattacks creates threats in ways not seen in traditional "military conflicts."
[Impact on our lives]
- Changes to travel plans due to airport closures
- Disruption to daily life due to infrastructure failure (power outages, traffic paralysis)
- Economic losses (flight cancellations, compensation for damages, etc.)
[Implications for work and organizations]
- A review of the security system is necessary.
- Acquisition of specialized knowledge regarding drone countermeasures
- Increased sensitivity to international threat trends
[Future Outlook]
While the EU is working to build a "drone defense wall," Japan is also being called upon to strengthen security in civilian infrastructure such as the Self-Defense Forces' destroyers and nuclear power plants.
