Germany establishes special unit to combat drones

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced the creation of a special unit within the Federal Police to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), following a series of recent drone-related incidents.

“We will establish our own anti-drone unit within the Federal Police,” Dobrindt said during a meeting with his European counterparts in Munich, as reported by N-tv. The minister stated that he intends to “expand powers, arm, and consolidate” the agencies responsible for drone defence. A previously announced amendment to the Aviation Security Act is expected to legally authorise the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) to assist the police in neutralising drones, particularly those operating at high altitudes.

According to the interior minister, this step does not require amendments to the Basic Law. He emphasised that the police, responsible for preventing domestic threats, must be equipped to counter drones. The powers of federal and state authorities in this area should be unified, he added. At the same time, Dobrindt declined to comment on the recent drone flyovers near Munich Airport.

He also recalled the plans to establish a joint drone defence centre. “We already have relevant capabilities within the Federal Police, Customs Service, Federal Criminal Police Office, and regional authorities. However, we intend to significantly expand these capacities and strengthen communication between the federal states and the federal government,” the minister stated. He described the situation as an “arms race” between drone-related threats and the means to counter them.

Nevertheless, Dobrindt stressed that not every drone poses a threat. “Many of them, even when controlled by foreign powers, are part of a deliberate provocation and do not automatically represent a danger,” he concluded. The interior minister also announced plans to create a “drone development and research unit” that will cooperate with Israel, Ukraine, other European countries, and the European Commission.

Meanwhile, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner announced additional EU funding for drone initiatives. He explained that €150 million has already been allocated for this purpose by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). “We will make an additional €250 million available from the border protection fund, specifically for drones,” Brunner said, referring to his department’s proposal. This funding will also include airport protection measures, he added.

By Vugar Khalilov