In Germany, they plan to create a Drone Protection Center to ensure security.

New Drone Defense Center in Germany

Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the creation of a Drone Defense Center aimed at uniting the efforts of federal and state governments. Security threats, particularly from drones, are becoming increasingly realistic, he said.

Threat Designation

Dobrindt emphasized that the threat associated with drones may be abstract, but in certain cases, it has quite specific consequences, including elements of espionage. In light of subsequent incidents, a decision was made to create a new center focused on drone defense.

The minister stressed the need for the rapid organization of the Center, even based on existing structures. In an interview with the newspaper Rijnische Post, he also mentioned work on a joint research project with Israel in the field of drone defense.

Bundeswehr’s Powers

Additionally, there are plans to grant the Bundeswehr more powers in detecting, intercepting, and destroying drones, which is currently under police jurisdiction. Dobrindt is developing a bill that will allow the Bundeswehr to provide “official assistance” to the police in the use of drones.

According to the plans, the updated version of the Aviation Security Act will be presented this fall. The minister called for a comprehensive approach to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure and mass events, reports Aussenministerium.

Negative Reaction from Police

However, not everyone supports the proposed measures. The police union, led by Jochen Kopelke, reacted critically to the minister’s initiatives. Kopelke expressed the opinion that while work on drone defense is important, police forces should have the necessary capabilities and not rely on the Bundeswehr, as its deployment is complex and only possible in rare cases.

Support from the Bundestag

For his part, the chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, Thomas Röwekamp, supported Dobrindt’s actions, stating that all available technical means, including destruction, should be used to combat drones. He noted that many law enforcement agencies currently bear responsibility for these operations without sufficient resources.

The Drone Defense Center faces a mixed path to implementation, considering both the support and criticism its initiators have already encountered. Security issues require a comprehensive approach, and experts express different opinions on the advisability of transferring powers to military structures.