Drone discovery prompts call to boost BER airport defense

Following the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Redmann is urging for increased drone defense capabilities at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). Redmann emphasized BER's dual role as a civilian and government airport, highlighting the heightened security concerns after the Leipzig incident.

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The Berlin Brandenburg Airport is not only a transport airport but also a government airport.

"The Berlin Brandenburg Airport is not only a transport airport but also a government airport," Redmann stated after a meeting at BER with airport CEO Aletta von Massenbach, federal police, and air traffic control. He stressed the need for "intensive exchange among all responsible parties and decisive action." Redmann welcomed the federal government's announcement to double the federal police's drone defense resources and invest more in drone security at BER.

Last week, a drone equipped with explosives and a detonator was found near Ukrainian transport aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport. This incident has prompted a broader discussion among federal and state interior ministers about accelerating efforts to counter potentially dangerous drones. The ministers emphasized the necessity of rapid progress in developing effective drone defense capabilities.

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There needs to be intensive exchange among all responsible parties and decisive action.

BER has already experienced a significant number of drone sightings. In the first six months of the year, the tower in Schönefeld registered 28 such objects, surpassing Frankfurt Airport, Germany's largest, by one sighting. These sightings led to seven temporary interruptions of air traffic at BER. In response to these concerns, Redmann plans to introduce a bill this year that would permit operators of critical infrastructure, such as power plants and data centers, to defend against drones themselves. The bill could be passed by the state parliament before the summer break next year.

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Therefore, I also welcome the federal government's announcement to double the federal police's drone defense and invest more in drone security at BER.