Slovak drone factory targeted in foiled arson attack: three foreigners detained
Slovak police have arrested three foreign nationals suspected of planning to set fire to a drone factory. An incendiary substance and a sketch of the facility's layout were found at the scene.
Attempted sabotage at a drone factory in eastern Slovakia
Slovak police have thwarted a plan to set fire to a drone factory in the east of the country, according to G4Media, in a case that revives concerns over sabotage targeting European defence industry. Three foreign nationals have been detained in connection with the alleged attack.
Two of the suspected persons were arrested on Slovak territory, whilst the third was arrested in Germany. The investigation concerns the deliberate preparation of a fire at a drone-producing facility, but the authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the factory, according to TVP World.
The nationality of the three suspects and the identity of any possible masterminds have not been made public. The detainees are being investigated for endangering public safety for the benefit of a third party. No one was injured and the factory sustained no damage, with the plan being stopped before execution.
According to police, approximately 70 employees could have been in the production hall at the time the attack was scheduled. A fire of significant scale would have generated losses of tens of millions of euros.
Napalm-like substance found on suspects
During the operation, investigators seized a significant quantity of incendiary mixture, several tools, mobile phones, an action camera and a hand-drawn plan of the industrial facility. Initial forensic analysis established that the flammable substance was composed of petrol and polystyrene — a mixture with properties similar to napalm.
The investigation was triggered on the basis of information provided by the Slovak Information Service and military intelligence structures. The inquiry remains ongoing, and the legal classification of the offences may be changed depending on further evidence.
Tense European security context
The case emerges at a time of heightened alert across the continent. In recent weeks, fires, explosions and other suspicious incidents have been reported at defence sector companies in several European states. Estonian company Milrem Robotics was targeted by a fire in August, and authorities are investigating the possibility of a sabotage act. Similar incidents have also been reported at weapons manufacturers in Italy and Bulgaria.
Since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, member states have intensified their vigilance against hybrid operations, including sabotage and attacks on strategic infrastructure or companies. Slovak authorities have not yet attributed the attempted attack to any state or organisation. In other similar cases across Europe, officials have pointed to possible links with Russia — accusations which Moscow has consistently denied.
Source: G4Media