Several construction machines burned down overnight on a construction site belonging to the defense conglomerate Rheinmetall at the Kassel-Calden airport in Hesse. Police authorities have stated that preliminary findings indicate the fire was intentionally set, leading them to suspect arson. Consequently, the State Protection Criminal Investigation Unit of the North Hessian Police Headquarters has taken over the inquiry to examine a possible political motive behind the incident.
A witness reportedly noticed flames on the site along the B7 road around 3:15 AM and alerted authorities. Upon arrival, emergency crews found three construction vehicles fully engulfed in flames. Additional machinery standing nearby also sustained damage during the firefighting efforts. The crime scene has been secured for forensic analysis, and investigators are currently seeking witnesses to help identify those responsible.
The location is an old airfield currently being developed into a new commercial area where Rheinmetall plans to establish logistics and drone operations. The company is investing more than 260 million euros in Kassel and the Calden airport, while the state of Hesse has contributed an additional 25 million euros. While business representatives and the state government have welcomed the construction of a logistics and drone test center, critical voices have opposed the expansion, describing it as a military hub for Rheinmetall.
Sources: Tagesschau.