FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – Germany is boosting its drone defence capabilities in response to rapid advancements in unmanned aircraft technology. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that counter-drone operations are expected to remain a long-term effort for the Federal Police. He made these remarks during a visit to the police aviation unit in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday, highlighting an ongoing technological race between defence systems and those trying to bypass them.
In December 2025, the Federal Police established a specialized counter-drone unit to conduct nationwide operations. According to recent government data, this unit employs around 70 personnel. Plans are underway to increase staffing to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Additionally, the Interior Ministry has ordered an expansion from four to eight locations, aiming to enhance coverage and response times throughout Germany.
Germany has also given priority to equipping major airports under Federal Police jurisdiction with counter-drone tools. Airports such as Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart, and Leipzig/Halle are included. The government is procuring mobile detection and defence systems for use at aviation facilities, though specific details remain undisclosed due to security reasons. While police are tasked with defending airports’ grounds, state police handle areas beyond.
Federal police unit scales up across the country
This expansion was prompted by a security breach at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4, in eastern Germany. Federal prosecutors reported that a drone carrying professional explosives and a detonator had entered the airport premises. Evidence indicated an intent to cause an explosion using the aircraft. Additionally, a cargo plane collided with an object believed to be another drone within the airport vicinity. On August 6, Germany’s federal prosecutor took charge of the investigation.
The Federal Criminal Police Office is overseeing the probe under the authority of the federal prosecutor. Authorities have yet to publicly identify those responsible for the incident. As a result, responsibility has not been assigned publicly while investigations continue. This case has renewed focus on protecting airports and critical infrastructure, with German officials emphasizing the importance of faster coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations managing drone incidents.
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 utilizes research capabilities at the organization’s Braunschweig location. Its purpose is to test drone detection and defence systems in realistic operational scenarios. The German Aerospace Center intends to invest over 10 million euros and create as many as 40 new jobs. The center aims to foster collaboration among researchers, security authorities, and companies developing counter-drone technology.
This new facility operates alongside Germany’s Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which manages information sharing and assessments among federal and state authorities. Federal police powers concerning drone detection and defence have also been enhanced. Dobrindt highlighted that the pace of technological change compels authorities to continually develop and evaluate new systems. The current government program integrates operational police units, coordinated security assessments, and dedicated research efforts to bolster protection against unauthorized and dangerous drones.