FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Germany is boosting its drone defence systems in response to rapid advancements in unmanned aircraft technology. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that counter-drone efforts will remain a long-term initiative for the Federal Police. He made these remarks during a visit to the police aviation unit in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday. Dobrindt emphasized the ongoing technological contest between defence systems and those attempting to bypass them.
The Federal Police established its specialized counter-drone division in December 2025 to operate nationwide. According to recent government data, this unit currently employs roughly 70 personnel. Authorities aim to expand this figure to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Additionally, the Interior Ministry has ordered an increase from four to eight operational locations, seeking to enhance coverage and response efficiency across Germany.
Germany has also placed a focus on equipping major airports managed by the Federal Police with counter-drone technology. Key airports include Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Leipzig/Halle. The government has been procuring mobile detection and defence tools for use at aviation hubs. Due to security reasons, federal authorities have not disclosed specific details about these systems. While police are tasked with drone defence on airport premises, state police handle areas outside these zones.
Federal police unit grows across Germany
This expansion follows an incident 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 that someone intended to cause an explosion using the aircraft. Additionally, a cargo plane collided with an object believed to be another drone in the wider airport vicinity. The federal prosecutor took charge of the investigation on August 6.
The Federal Criminal Police Office is leading the probe under the oversight of the federal prosecutor. Authorities have not publicly assigned responsibility for the incident. The government has refrained from making any declarations of culpability while investigations continue. This case has renewed focus on safeguarding airports and critical infrastructure. Furthermore, German officials have stressed the necessity for improved coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations handling drone-related threats.
Research facility 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 center also utilises research capabilities from the organization’s Braunschweig location. Its mission involves testing drone detection and countermeasures under real-world conditions. The German Aerospace Center plans to invest over 10 million euros and create as many as 40 new jobs. The facility aims to foster collaboration among researchers, security agencies, and private firms developing counter-drone technology.
This new center operates alongside Germany’s Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which facilitates information sharing and assessments among federal and state authorities. Furthermore, Germany has updated the powers granted to federal police concerning drone detection and defence. Dobrindt noted that the rapid pace of technological change compels authorities to continually develop and evaluate innovative systems. The government’s current strategy integrates operational police units, coordinated security evaluations, and dedicated research initiatives, all aimed at strengthening defenses against unauthorized and potentially dangerous drones.