FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Germany is augmenting its capabilities to counter unmanned aerial vehicles amid rapid advancements in drone technology. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced that efforts to combat drones will remain an ongoing priority for the Federal Police. The statement was made during his visit to the police aviation unit in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday. Dobrindt emphasized that a technological race persists between defence systems and those attempting to bypass them.
In December 2025, the Federal Police established a dedicated counter-drone unit to operate nationwide. According to the latest government data, this team currently comprises approximately 70 personnel. Officials intend to expand the unit to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Furthermore, the Interior Ministry has ordered the development of additional locations, increasing from four to eight, to enhance coverage and speed of response across Germany.
Germany has also given priority to equipping major airports under Federal Police jurisdiction with counter-drone technology. Airports such as Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Leipzig/Halle are included in this initiative. The government has procured mobile detection and defence systems for use at aviation facilities, though specific details remain undisclosed due to security reasons. While police manage drone defence within airport boundaries, state police oversee the surrounding areas.
Nationwide expansion of the federal police unit
This expansion is a response to an August 4 security breach at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany. Federal prosecutors revealed that a drone carrying explosive materials and a detonator infiltrated the airport premises. Evidence was sufficient to suggest an intent to cause an explosion with the aircraft. Additionally, a cargo plane was reported to have collided with an object believed to be another drone in the broader airport vicinity. On August 6, the federal prosecutor took charge of the investigation.
The Federal Criminal Police Office is leading the investigation under the oversight of the federal prosecutor. No public attribution of responsibility has been made by authorities. As evidence continues to be examined, responsibility remains unassigned. The incident has renewed focus on protecting airports and critical infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for improved coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations involved in drone incident response.
Establishment of a Research Hub for Drone Threats
On August 18, Germany launched a Technology Center for Drone Security at the German Aerospace Center’s Cochstedt site. The facility also leverages research capabilities at the organization’s Braunschweig location. The center’s mission involves testing 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 positions. This center serves as a nexus for researchers, security agencies, and private companies working on counter-drone solutions.
This new operation complements Germany’s existing Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which facilitates information sharing and assessment coordination among federal and state authorities. Germany has also updated its federal police authority to better handle drone detection and interception. Dobrindt stressed that the rapid pace of technological development necessitates ongoing innovation and testing. The current government strategy combines operational police units, integrated security assessments, and focused research efforts to strengthen protections against unauthorized and potentially hazardous drones.