Germany has inaugurated a new national drone defense center aimed at enhancing coordination between federal and state authorities in response to a recent surge in suspicious drone sightings. This move comes amid growing concerns over national security, particularly related to potential foreign threats.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed his belief that many of these drone incidents, which have occurred at sensitive sites across Germany and Europe—including airports, military installations, and power facilities—are linked to Russian activities. His comments underline a broader narrative among European nations, which have frequently accused Russia of employing hybrid warfare tactics that include sabotage and disinformation campaigns, along with the use of drones.
During the opening of the Joint Drone Defence Centre in Berlin, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized that although Germany is not actively engaged in war, it finds itself increasingly vulnerable to hybrid warfare tactics. He noted a significant rise in reported drone sightings, indicating that many of these are likely operated by hostile entities.
Dobrindt stated, “We assume that in many cases, these drones are controlled by hostile powers,” reflecting a growing unease within the government about the implications of these incidents. This new facility is set to unite Germany’s federal and 16 state police forces, creating a centralized “pool of data.” This initiative aims to enhance the country’s ability to develop predictive models to gauge the strategies of potential aggressors, including foreign nations.
In conjunction with the establishment of the drone defense center, Germany has also formed a specialized police unit focused on countering drone threats, which is projected to consist of over 130 officers. Recent legislative changes have granted police extended authority, enabling them to take down drones when deemed necessary.
On the same day, Merz addressed parliament, describing drone activities as part of a broader Russian campaign to extend its influence beyond its borders into Europe. He stated, “Every day Russia is transgressing with hybrid attacks, drone overflights, killings, sabotage, spying, cyberattacks and targeted disinformation,” underlining the seriousness with which the German government views the evolving security landscape.
The establishment of the new center and the formation of a dedicated police unit signify Germany’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities amid increasing threats from unconventional warfare strategies.
