Germany will create a federal unit dedicated to combating drones, in order to respond to hybrid threats and protect critical infrastructure.

Germany will establish a new federal unit dedicated to combating drones, in the context of increasing suspicious flights over military bases and critical infrastructure. The announcement was made by Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who emphasized that the unit will be part of the national special operations division of the federal police, specially trained for the detection and neutralization of drones. It will have a staff of 130 officers deployed across the country, rapidly mobilized to critical areas.

Germany has allocated a budget of over 100 million euros for anti-drone technology, which includes sensors and jamming devices. Dobrindt stated that it is essential to create a national capacity for detecting and intercepting drones, considering the current hybrid threats. Additionally, there are discussions about creating a joint federal-state center for coordinating efforts to combat drones, involving federal, regional police, and the military.

German security agencies have monitored hundreds of suspicious flights this year, and officials warn about the increasing use of small drones for espionage and hybrid operations. This measure comes in the context where many European countries are seeking effective solutions for managing drones, considering the risks associated with their downing.