Germany Strengthens Defences Against Drones and Cyberattacks After Airport Incident

Germany is preparing a broad security package after an attempted drone attack on an airport last month. The plan targets drone attacks, cyber intrusions and other forms of what Berlin describes as Russian sabotage.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told Bild that Russia’s hybrid attacks had become part of everyday reality. “These attacks will become more frequent, but we can defend ourselves and protect ourselves,” he said.

The proposed measures would expand police capacity for mobile counter-drone defence. Rapid-response units would be stationed in cities to protect the airspace above key transport hubs and government districts.

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These attacks will become more frequent, but we can defend ourselves and protect ourselves.

Companies operating critical infrastructure, including energy businesses and defence-equipment manufacturers, would receive legal authority not only to detect drones but also to actively repel them. The government also plans a national protective shield, described as a “cyber dome,” using digital sensors to detect and intercept hacking attempts.

Germany additionally intends to expand the use of artificial intelligence, biometric facial recognition and video surveillance to identify suspected attackers. Russia has long rejected allegations that it conducts operations in Western Europe and denies involvement in the airport attack. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the accusations represented “the beginning of a real war.”

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the beginning of a real war