Dobrindt Sees Drone Defense as Permanent 'Arms Race'

The Federal Police Aviation Squadron is one of several units in Germany responsible for aviation-based security. Dobrindt used the visit to outline the growing pressure from civilian and potentially state-directed drones. The defense must keep pace technically and in terms of personnel, as attackers were rapidly evolving their methods, it was stated.

Background of the Drone Incidents

Dobrindt also addressed the ongoing investigations into drone incidents during his visit in Fuldatal. He rejected demands to publicly and clearly attribute Russian authorship at this stage. Dobrindt wanted to await the results of the investigations, several attendees reported consistently. The Federal Prosecutor General is involved in the investigation.

The background to the debate is drone sightings at critical infrastructure sites, including Leipzig/Halle Airport. Areas around the Federal Chancellery in Berlin have also been affected in the past. The incidents have raised the question in Germany of how authorities should respond to the growing threat from unmanned aerial vehicles.

Dobrindt also commented on expectations of the Federal Police. The agency must be able to respond quickly to new technologies, he said. This required investments in equipment and training. Cooperation with other security agencies should also be strengthened to avoid duplicative structures.

Political Debate Over Attribution

The Federal Government had already announced legislative changes in recent months to more strongly regulate the use of drones and to expand the defense powers of security agencies. Dobrindt reiterated in Fuldatal that drone defense must not be understood as a one-off measure, but as an ongoing task.

Politically, the question of the attribution of the incidents remains contested. While some politicians want to name Russia as the cause, others – including Dobrindt – have urged restraint as long as the investigations have not been completed. The handling of the findings is also being coordinated within the Federal Government.

Security Architecture and Coordination

The visit in Fuldatal took place under heightened security conditions. Media representatives were able to follow parts of the demonstration, including exercises for the detection and defense of small drones. The Federal Police Aviation Squadron in Fuldatal is one of the sites responsible for aviation security in Hesse and neighboring federal states.

Dobrindt announced that the Federal Government would continue to coordinate regularly with the security agencies and the federal states. The goal was to anchor drone defense as a permanent component of the security architecture. Dobrindt left open when initial robust findings from the investigations could be expected.