Counter-drone unit begins operations

Ahrensfelde (d.de) – Following a series of drone sightings at airports and over critical infrastructure, the Federal Police in Ahrensfelde today put a new counter-drone unit into service. The unit forms part of a nationwide strategy that the government accelerated after brief shutdowns at Munich and Copenhagen airports this autumn. 

Its task is to detect and intercept drones more quickly using advanced technology. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt attended the launch, where the unit presented its first deployment procedures. A joint federal-state counter-drone centre is also due to follow later in December, with the Conference of Interior Ministers currently discussing the location. 

In parallel, the federal government is drafting legal amendments that would grant the Federal Police – and, in exceptional cases, theBundeswehr – expanded powers for counter-drone operations.