FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Germany is increasing its capacity to counter unmanned aircraft as authorities respond to rapid technological advancements in drone systems. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that counter-drone efforts will be an ongoing challenge for the Federal Police. His comments came during a visit to the police aviation division in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday. Dobrindt highlighted an ongoing technological race between systems designed for defence and those intended to bypass them.
In December 2025, the Federal Police established a specialized counter-drone unit to operate nationwide. The unit currently employs approximately 70 personnel, as per recent government data. Plans are in place to expand this team to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Additionally, the Interior Ministry announced plans to double the number of operational sites from four to eight to enhance coverage and response times across Germany.
Germany has also prioritized 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 acquired mobile detection and defensive systems for deployment at aviation hubs, although specific details remain undisclosed due to security reasons. Responsibility for drone defence at airport premises lies with police, whereas state police oversee surrounding areas.
National expansion of federal police counter-drone units
The expansion initiative follows a security breach on August 4 at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany. Federal prosecutors reported that a drone carrying professional explosives and a detonator entered the airport premises. Evidence indicated an intention to cause an explosion using the aircraft. Additionally, a cargo plane was struck by an object suspected to be another drone within the airport’s broader vicinity. On August 6, Germany’s federal prosecutor took charge of the investigation.
The Federal Criminal Police Office is conducting the inquiry under the direction of the federal prosecutor. Authorities have not publicly named any suspects or responsible parties. As investigations continue, responsibility remains unassigned, with officials focusing on examining the evidence. This incident has renewed concern over safeguarding airports and vital infrastructure, highlighting the need for swifter coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations managing drone-related threats.
Germany launches a research hub to combat drone threats
On August 18, Germany inaugurated the Technology Center for Drone Security at the German Aerospace Center’s Cochstedt site. The facility also leverages research resources at the organization’s Braunschweig location. Its goal is to evaluate drone detection and defence technologies under real-world conditions. The German Aerospace Center plans to invest over 10 million euros and create up to 40 new jobs. The center aims to facilitate collaboration among researchers, security agencies, and industry players involved in developing counter-drone systems.
This new establishment operates in conjunction with Germany’s Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which manages information sharing and strategic assessments among federal and state authorities. The government has also expanded federal police authority concerning drone detection and interception. Dobrindt remarked that rapid technological changes necessitate continuous development and testing of new solutions. The current government program integrates operational police units, coordinated security evaluations, and dedicated research efforts to bolster Germany’s defenses against unauthorized and potentially hazardous drones.