Germany is preparing a wide-ranging security package to strengthen its defences against drone attacks, cyber intrusions and suspected Russian sabotage after an explosives-laden drone was found at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month.
The proposed measures include rapidly deployable police counter-drone units in cities, greater protection for transport hubs and government districts, and new powers for operators of critical infrastructure to disable hostile drones, according to a report by Reuters citing Bild am Sonntag.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told the newspaper that hybrid attacks attributed to Russia had become part of daily life and were likely to increase. “These attacks will increase, but we can defend and protect ourselves,” he was quoted as saying.
Germany plans expanded drone and cyber defences
The reported package would allow companies responsible for sites such as power utilities and defence manufacturers to do more than detect drones. They could be given legal authority to actively counter them.
Berlin is also considering a national cyber-defence network, described as a “cyberdome”, using digital sensors to detect and intercept attempted hacking attacks. Authorities would make greater use of artificial intelligence, biometric facial recognition and video surveillance, including at railway stations, to identify people suspected of preparing sabotage.
The plans follow the discovery of a drone carrying an explosive device near a runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. The detonator was removed and the device was made safe, while flights were temporarily disrupted after a flying object was reported near the major freight hub.
At the time, Mr Dobrindt described the incident as a “hybrid attack scenario” and said a drone armed with explosives at an airport represented a new threat. The airport regularly handles Ukrainian Antonov transport aircraft and supports military logistics to NATO’s eastern flank.
Germany formally blamed Russia for the attempted attack on September 1, although Moscow has denied involvement and rejected wider allegations that it is conducting sabotage operations across Europe. The German government has since announced diplomatic measures against Russia, including the closure of its consulate in Bonn.
Germany has already expanded the powers of its federal police in relation to drone defence, while amendments to the Aviation Security Act allow the armed forces to support police operations in exceptional circumstances. The new proposals would extend those efforts across both physical infrastructure and national cyber-security.
