FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Germany is significantly scaling up its drone defence systems as authorities respond to rapid advancements in unmanned aircraft technology. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt indicated that counter-drone efforts would remain a long-term priority for the Federal Police. His remarks came during a visit to the police aviation unit in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday. Dobrindt emphasized the ongoing technological race between defence systems and those trying to bypass them.
In December 2025, the Federal Police established a specialized counter-drone unit for nationwide operations. Current figures show this team comprises approximately 70 personnel. The government aims to grow this number to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Additionally, the Interior Ministry has ordered an increase from four to eight locations to enhance coverage and response capabilities across the country.
Germany has also concentrated on equipping major airports under Federal Police oversight with counter-drone systems. The airports include Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart and Leipzig/Halle. The government is procuring mobile detection and defence tools for use at these aviation hubs, although specific system details remain undisclosed due to security reasons. While police manage drone defence within airport premises, state police cover surrounding areas.
National expansion of federal police drone units
This growth follows an incident on August 4 at Leipzig/Halle Airport, eastern Germany, in which federal prosecutors reported a drone carrying professional explosives and a detonator entered the airport grounds. Evidence indicated an intent 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 investigation under the direction of the federal prosecutor. Responsibility for the incident has not been publicly assigned, as authorities continue examining evidence, avoiding attribution at this stage. The event heightened concerns about safeguarding airports and critical infrastructure, prompting calls for faster coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations involved in drone incident response.
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 leverages research resources at the organization’s Braunschweig location. Its purpose is to test drone detection and defence systems under realistic operational conditions. The German Aerospace Center plans to invest over 10 million euros and create up to 40 new positions. The facility will serve as a hub connecting researchers, security agencies, and private companies working on counter-drone solutions.
This new establishment complements Germany’s Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which facilitates information sharing and assessments among federal and state authorities. Alongside these efforts, Germany has enhanced federal police authorities’ powers related to drone detection and defence. Dobrindt stressed that the rapid pace of technological progress necessitates continuous development and testing of new systems. The government’s current strategy integrates operational police units, coordinated security assessments, and dedicated research initiatives as Germany strengthens its defenses against unauthorized and hazardous drones.