FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Germany is intensifying its drone defence efforts to keep pace with rapid advancements in unmanned aircraft technology. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that counter-drone operations will remain a long-term priority for the Federal Police. He made these remarks during a visit to the police aviation unit in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday. Dobrindt highlighted an ongoing technological race between defence systems and those attempting to bypass them.
In December 2025, the Federal Police established a dedicated counter-drone unit for national deployment. Currently, this team comprises approximately 70 personnel, as per recent government data. Officials plan to expand the unit to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Additionally, the Interior Ministry has ordered an increase in operational sites from four to eight, aiming to enhance coverage and response efficiency across Germany.
Germany has also given priority to equipping major airports under Federal Police jurisdiction with counter-drone technology. Key airports such as Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Leipzig/Halle are included. The government has been acquiring mobile detection and defence systems for use at these aviation hubs. Due to security considerations, federal authorities have not disclosed specific details about these systems. While police handle drone defence on airport grounds, state police are responsible for areas outside them.
Federal police’s counter-drone force expands nationwide
This expansion follows a security breach at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4, in eastern Germany. Federal prosecutors reported that a drone loaded with professional explosives and a detonator infiltrated the airport premises. Evidence suggests that someone intended to trigger an explosion with the aircraft. Additionally, a cargo plane collided with an object believed to be another drone in the wider airport vicinity. On August 6, Germany’s federal prosecutor took charge of the investigation.
The Federal Criminal Police Office is leading the investigation under the oversight of the federal prosecutor. Authorities have not publicly identified who was responsible for the incident. To avoid premature attribution, the government has refrained from assigning blame while investigators analyze the evidence. The case has renewed focus on safeguarding airports and critical infrastructure. German officials also emphasized the necessity of improved coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations managing drone-related incidents.
Research hub launched to combat drone threats
On August 18, Germany inaugurated a Technology Center for Drone Security at the German Aerospace Center’s Cochstedt site. The facility leverages research capabilities at the organization’s Braunschweig location. The center will test drone detection and defence systems under real-world conditions. The German Aerospace Center plans to invest over 10 million euros and create up to 40 new jobs. It also serves as a hub connecting researchers, security agencies, and companies involved in counter-drone solutions.
This new establishment operates alongside Germany’s Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which facilitates information sharing and assessment coordination among federal and state authorities. The federal police’s authority over drone detection and defence has been recently expanded. Dobrindt noted that the rapid pace of technological change necessitates ongoing development and testing of new systems. The government’s current strategy combines operational police units, integrated security assessments, and targeted research efforts to bolster protection against unauthorized and dangerous drones.