Explosive drone at Leipzig Airport is a warning for Germany: Minister

The discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport serves as a stark warning for all of Germany, according to Achim Schwickert, the Interior Minister of Rhineland-Palatinate. Schwickert stated that new threats like this represent a fundamental shift in airspace security, necessitating novel responses. He emphasized that his state has acted proactively, preparing its police force for such eventualities.

Rhineland-Palatinate is considered a leading location for police drone defense in Germany, partly due to the presence of Ramstein Air Base and Hahn Airport. The drone found on the runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport was reportedly near a Ukrainian transport plane. Specialists from the Federal Police successfully defused the explosive device.

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A warning for all of Germany.

Schwickert noted that Russia's war in Ukraine demonstrates how drones have become integral to modern conflict and hybrid threat scenarios. He observed a growing blurring of lines between internal and external security. To bolster the protection of critical infrastructure, public events, and sensitive facilities, the state government is investing an additional seven million euros by the end of 2027 in advanced technology, new operational concepts, and specialized training for response teams.

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The boundaries between internal and external security are increasingly blurring.

While acknowledging improved preparedness compared to previous years, Schwickert cautioned that threats are constantly evolving. He specifically pointed to militarily utilized or highly capable drones as presenting new challenges for security agencies worldwide. "Therefore, we are consistently developing our capabilities, although risks can never be completely eliminated. Our aim is to protect the people in Rhineland-Palatinate as best as possible," he stated.

Addressing the challenge of drone defense, Schwickert stressed that no single state can manage it alone. Rhineland-Palatinate advocates for a collaborative approach, working closely with federal police, the military, U.S. forces, critical infrastructure operators, and other security agencies. A key component of this strategy is the unique cooperation between the Rhineland-Palatinate police and the U.S. Air Force, involving joint development and testing of detection systems for unmanned aerial vehicles, regular planning meetings, and continuous exchange of experiences.

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We are consistently developing our capabilities, although risks can never be completely eliminated. Our aim is to protect the people in Rhineland-Palatinate as best as possible.