Hamburg became the centre of a major civil-military exercise on Thursday, September 24, as the Bundeswehr, Hamburg Police, emergency organisations, authorities and private companies began the three-day Red Storm Charlie exercise.
The exercise, running from September 24 to 26, is designed to test cooperation between military and civilian organisations during simulated crisis and security situations. According to Hamburg Police, the exercise includes military vehicle movements, helicopter operations and other coordinated activities across the city.
One of the most visible scenarios on Thursday involved a simulated drone attack in the Port of Hamburg. According to NDR, police special forces practised responding to the scenario, including an operation in which an officer descended from a helicopter and a suspected drone operator was taken into custody as part of the exercise.
The exercise also included scenarios involving a possible disruption of a military convoy. Police and military personnel practised coordinating their response while maintaining the movement of personnel and equipment through the city.
NDR reported that a convoy of around 70 military and civilian vehicles later travelled through parts of Hamburg, with helicopters from the Bundeswehr and Hamburg Police providing aerial support. Police also responded when groups attempted to block the convoy at the Elbe bridges.
Red Storm Charlie involves around 500 Bundeswehr personnel alongside a much larger network of civilian participants. NDR reported that more than 1,500 people were involved overall, while the number of participating civilian organisations has grown substantially compared with previous editions of the exercise.
Other scenarios scheduled during the exercise include a simulated chemical incident, disruption of a military transport by rail, large-scale casualty management and the establishment of alternative medical facilities. Civilian companies are also taking part in exercises involving scenarios such as power outages and disruptions to supply chains.
The exercise has also attracted protests. Organisers opposing the military exercise established a protest camp and announced actions aimed at disrupting the manoeuvre. NDR reported that police prevented several attempts to block the military convoy on Thursday night.
Hamburg Police said Red Storm Charlie is intended to improve communication, clarify responsibilities and strengthen cooperation between the organisations involved in a fictional crisis and security situation. The exercise follows earlier Red Storm Alpha in 2024 and Red Storm Bravo in 2025.
Hamburg authorities had previously warned residents that the exercise could result in increased helicopter noise, military and civilian vehicle movements and temporary traffic disruptions, particularly during the evening and night-time operations.
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As Red Storm Charlie continues through Saturday, Hamburg remains the testing ground for how military, police, emergency services, authorities and businesses coordinate during simulated crisis situations.
