Three-day civil-military exercise Red Storm Charlie has concluded in Hamburg, involving around 1,700 military personnel, emergency responders, government representatives and private companies. The exercise took place from September 24 to 26.
One of the key scenarios focused on countering hostile drones in the port area. Military personnel and police practiced destroying two drones, neutralizing them and detaining their operator at the O’Swaldkai port terminal.
The exercise also simulated a chemical accident and railway sabotage. On the night of September 25, a military convoy of up to 70 vehicles moved through Hamburg under police and helicopter escort.
A separate phase on September 26 focused on evacuating a large number of casualties. A temporary emergency treatment facility was set up in an underground garage, while helicopters transported casualties to Hamburg Airport. Severely wounded people were transferred to the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf after receiving initial treatment.
This year’s exercise involved 60 civilian partners, compared with 12 the previous year. They included fire and emergency services, police, government authorities, as well as Airbus and port operator HHLA.
Red Storm Charlie was the third exercise of its kind in Hamburg, following Red Storm Alpha in 2024 and Red Storm Bravo in 2025.
