FULDATAL, GERMANY / RankWire.AI / – The German government is increasing its counter-drone capabilities as authorities respond to rapid advancements in unmanned aircraft technology. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that counter-drone efforts will be a long-term focus for the Federal Police. He made these remarks during a visit to the police aviation unit in Fuldatal, Hesse, on Thursday, describing an ongoing technological race between defence systems and those seeking to bypass them.
In December 2025, the Federal Police established a specialized counter-drone unit to conduct nationwide operations. The current staffing stands at roughly 70 personnel, based on latest government data. Plans are underway to grow this team to 300 officers by the end of 2026. Additionally, the Interior Ministry is expanding the number of operational sites from four to eight, aiming to enhance coverage and response times across the country.
Germany has also prioritized equipping major airports under Federal Police oversight with counter-drone technology. These airports include Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne/Bonn, Stuttgart and Leipzig/Halle. The government has been procuring mobile detection and defence systems for aviation security purposes. Due to security considerations, authorities have not publicly disclosed specifics about these systems. While the Federal Police manage drone defence within airports, state police are responsible for surrounding areas.
Federal police counter-drone unit expands nationwide
This expansion comes after a security 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. They found enough evidence to suggest that someone intended to cause an explosion with the aircraft. Furthermore, a cargo plane collided with an object, believed to be another drone, in the airport’s broader vicinity. On August 6, Germany’s federal prosecutor took control of the investigation.
The Federal Criminal Police Office is leading the probe under the supervision 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 investigators continue to analyze the evidence. The case has renewed focus on protecting airports and other critical infrastructure, with officials highlighting the importance of faster coordination among federal agencies, state authorities, and security organizations handling drone-related threats.
Germany establishes a new research hub targeting drone dangers
On August 18, Germany inaugurated a Technology Center for Drone Security at the German Aerospace Center’s Cochstedt site. The facility leverages research capabilities from the organization’s Braunschweig location. It aims to test drone detection and defence technologies under realistic operational scenarios. The German Aerospace Center plans to invest over 10 million euros and create up to 40 new jobs. The center also serves as a hub connecting researchers, security agencies, and companies working on counter-drone solutions.
This new center operates alongside Germany’s Joint Counter-Drone Centre, which manages information sharing and assessments among federal and state authorities. The federal police’s authority regarding drone detection and defence has been recently enhanced. Dobrindt highlighted that the rapid pace of technological change necessitates continuous development and testing of new systems. The government’s current strategy integrates operational police units, coordinated security assessments, and dedicated research efforts to bolster Germany’s defenses against unauthorized and potentially dangerous drones.