FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – As Germany faces rapid advancements in unmanned aircraft technology, the country is enhancing its drone defence systems. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that counter-drone operations will remain a long-term responsibility for the Federal Police. His remarks came during a visit to the police aviation unit in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday, where he highlighted the ongoing technological race between defense measures and those trying to circumvent them.
The Federal Police established its specialized counter-drone unit in December 2025 to oversee nationwide efforts. Presently, it comprises roughly 70 personnel, based on the latest government data. Plans are in motion to expand this team to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Additionally, the Interior Ministry has authorized the growth from four original locations to eight, aiming to enhance coverage and response capabilities across Germany.
Germany is also focusing on equipping major airports under Federal Police jurisdiction with counter-drone technology. These airports include Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Leipzig/Halle. The government has procured mobile detection and defense tools for deployment at aviation hubs. Due to security reasons, federal authorities have not disclosed specific details about these systems. While police manage drone defence on airport premises, state police are responsible outside these zones.
Federal police expands operational reach nationwide
This expansion follows an incident on August 4 at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany. Federal prosecutors revealed that a drone loaded with professional explosives and a detonator entered the airport grounds. Evidence indicates an intent to cause an explosion using the aircraft. Additionally, a cargo plane collided with an object, believed to be another drone, within the broader airport area. The federal prosecutor’s office took charge of the investigation on August 6.
Under the guidance of the federal prosecutor, the Federal Criminal Police Office is leading the investigation. Authorities have not publicly named those responsible for the incident. To avoid premature blame, responsibility has not been assigned publicly, as investigators continue analyzing the evidence. This case has renewed focus on protecting airports and critical infrastructure, with officials stressing the importance of improved coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations handling drone-related threats.
Research hub established to address drone security challenges
Germany launched a Technology Center for Drone Security on August 18 at the German Aerospace Center’s Cochstedt site. This facility also utilizes research resources at the organization’s Braunschweig location. Its purpose is to test drone detection and defence technologies under real-world conditions. The German Aerospace Center intends to invest over 10 million euros and create up to 40 new jobs. The center aims to facilitate collaboration between researchers, security agencies, and companies developing counter-drone systems.
The new center operates alongside Germany’s Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which manages information sharing and assessment coordination among federal and state authorities. Additionally, Germany has updated federal police authority regarding drone detection and interception. Dobrindt stated that technological progress necessitates ongoing development and testing of new systems. The government’s current strategy combines operational police units, integrated security evaluations, and dedicated research efforts to bolster protection against unauthorized and potentially dangerous drones.