German Air Traffic Control Plans Nationwide Drone Defense Network With AI

Germany's air traffic control service, DFS, is partnering with defense contractor Hensoldt and Deutsche Telekom to establish a nationwide network to counter drone threats. DFS CEO Arndt Schoenemann highlighted the growing danger drones pose to critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need to consolidate resources.

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Drones pose an increasing danger to critical infrastructure in Germany. To protect these, we must pool available resources.

The planned system, part of the "Aktionsplan Drohnen Deutschland," will feature an AI-powered platform. This platform will connect data from mobile phone masts with stationary drone detection and defense systems located at airports, power plants, and military facilities. The aim is to create a comprehensive, nationwide drone air picture by automatically collecting and analyzing data from various surveillance sensors.

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The drone attacks on airports in recent months are to be seen as the 'beginning of hybrid warfare,' the effective combating of which still fails due to jurisdictional issues at federal and state levels.

Schoenemann described recent drone attacks on airports as the "beginning of hybrid warfare," noting that current responses are hampered by jurisdictional issues between federal and state authorities. He called for a centralized drone detection and defense system that integrates all information, rather than a fragmented approach.

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Instead of a patchwork of facilities and responsibilities, we need centrally managed drone detection and defense, where all information flows together.

Hensoldt CEO Oliver Dörre stated that German manufacturers possess the necessary drone defense technology. However, he stressed the importance of an architecture that coordinates different systems for detection, classification, and neutralization of drones to ensure operational readiness. The proposed platform is designed to be compatible with systems from all manufacturers.

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The technological capabilities for drone defense are available from German manufacturers. However, to be capable of action in the event of a threat, an architecture is needed that coordinates the various systems for detecting, classifying, and combating drones.