FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – In response to rapid advancements in unmanned aircraft technology, Germany is boosting its drone defence systems. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that the development of counter-drone measures will be an ongoing, long-term effort for the Federal Police. He made these remarks during a visit to the police aviation unit in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday, highlighting the persistent technological race between defence mechanisms and those seeking to bypass them.
The Federal Police established its dedicated counter-drone unit in December 2025 to carry out operations nationwide. The unit currently employs around 70 personnel, according to recent government data, with plans to expand this number to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Additionally, the Interior Ministry has ordered an increase from the original four locations to eight, aiming to enhance coverage and reduce response times across Germany.
Germany has also prioritized equipping major airports, under Federal Police jurisdiction, with counter-drone technology. This includes airports in Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Leipzig/Halle. The government has been actively acquiring mobile detection and defence systems for deployment at aviation hubs, though public details of these systems remain undisclosed due to security reasons. Responsibility for drone defence at airports lies with police, while state police cover the areas outside airport grounds.
Federal police unit expands across the country
This expansion follows an incident on August 4 at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany, where federal prosecutors reported that a drone carrying professional explosives and a detonator entered the airport premises. Evidence pointed to an intention to cause an explosion via the aircraft, and a cargo plane was also involved in a collision with what is believed to be another drone within the wider airport area. On August 6, Germany’s federal prosecutor took charge of the investigation.
The Federal Criminal Police Office is leading the investigation under the guidance of the federal prosecutor, but authorities have not publicly identified those responsible for the event. The government has refrained from assigning blame while the investigation continues, as officials examine the evidence. This incident has renewed focus on safeguarding airports and other critical infrastructure, with German officials stressing the importance of improved coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations managing drone-related threats.
Research center established to combat drone risks
Germany launched a Technology Center for Drone Security on August 18 at the German Aerospace Center’s Cochstedt site, which also leverages research facilities at the organization’s Braunschweig location. The center aims to test drone detection and defence technologies under real-world operational conditions. The German Aerospace Center plans to invest over 10 million euros and create up to 40 new jobs. The facility will serve as a hub connecting researchers, security agencies, and industry players working on counter-drone systems.
This new center complements Germany’s existing Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which facilitates information sharing and threat assessments among federal and state authorities. Alongside these initiatives, Germany has revised federal police powers related to drone detection and defence. Dobrindt noted that the rapid pace of technological evolution necessitates continuous development and testing of new systems. The current government strategy combines operational police units, coordinated security evaluations, and dedicated research efforts, all aimed at strengthening protections against unauthorized and potentially dangerous drones.