Germany is increasingly facing the threat of drone attacks, according to Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). “We are the target of a hybrid threat,” he said on Thursday in the Bundestag. “We are the target of sabotage and espionage.” The threat posed by drones is “high” and, in some cases, “specific.” The aggression also comes from Russia.
To counter these threats, the German government is strengthening its measures against drones, including reforms to the Aviation Security Act and increased funding for drone defense. Dobrindt underscored the importance of “detection, interception, and neutralization” and noted that Europe is witnessing a “race” between drone threats and drone countermeasures.
The concern comes after several disruptions across European airports. On Monday evening, air traffic in Denmark’s capital was temporarily halted as multiple large drones hovered over the airport for hours, causing 100 flights to be canceled and 31 rerouted. Drone sightings were again reported over several Danish airports overnight into Thursday. The airports affected were Aalborg, Esbjerg, and Sönderborg, as well as Skrydstrup Air Base. Drone sightings also led to a temporary disruption of air traffic in Norway's capital, Oslo, overnight into Tuesday.
Poland, Estonia, and Romania have also reported violations of their airspace by Russian drones and fighter jets. NATO described these incidents as deliberate provocations by Russia, while Moscow denied the allegations.
Germany’s Federal Interior Ministry has labeled the situation a heightened threat, driven by rapid technological advancements in drones. Authorities are working to close gaps in national drone defense, with reforms underway for the Federal Police Act and the Aviation Security Act.
State security agencies have echoed these concerns. Stephan Kramer, President of the Thuringia Office for the Protection of the Constitution, stressed that drone incursions are becoming more frequent and precise, especially against critical infrastructure. He warned that Germany, as a supporter of Ukraine, is a prime target for such attacks.
The chairman of the Federal Police Union, Heiko Teggatz, criticized the fact that “there is still no clear official jurisdiction for the use and defense against drones.” At the same time, he warned of the associated risks. “Drone attacks on our commercial airports can, at best, cause considerable economic damage and, at worst, even cost human lives,” Teggatz told the Handelsblatt newspaper.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
