German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt believes the risk of potential drone attacks targeting the Bundestag and other constitutional institutions has increased.
In a letter to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, seen by the German newspaper Rheinische Post, Dobrindt called for a permanent counter-drone capability to protect key state institutions.
"Protecting the constitutional bodies is of particular importance in light of the current threat environment," Dobrindt wrote, pointing to a growing number of drone sightings in recent months that have heightened concerns among security authorities.
The correspondence was prompted by an enquiry from Klöckner in December, in which she asked whether the Federal Police's newly established counter-drone unit could be deployed to help protect parliament.
In his newest response, Dobrindt said the unit could provide temporary support under administrative assistance arrangements. However, responsibility for counter-drone operations around the Bundestag remains with Berlin's state police, he added.
Drones are becoming a security problem for Europe
The warning comes amid growing concern over drone-related incidents across Europe. In recent months, drones entering the airspace of NATO member states have repeatedly tested the alliance's security response.
The scale of the threat was highlighted most recently in the Baltic states. In Lithuania, an air raid alert was triggered after a drone entered the country's airspace, prompting senior political leaders to seek shelter in bunkers. Security officials have linked several such incidents to Russian GPS interference, which can cause drones to stray off course and cross into NATO territory.
According to Germany's military, repeated illegal drone flights over critical infrastructure and military facilities have raised concerns about possible reconnaissance activities by foreign actors.
Germany expands its counter-drone defences
Germany is therefore stepping up its efforts to counter the growing threat posed by drones.
Recent changes to the Aviation Security Act have expanded the powers of both the Federal Police and the Bundeswehr. Under the new rules, the armed forces can support state police in responding to drone threats and, as a last resort, use force if a danger cannot be neutralised by other means.
At the same time, authorities are looking to strengthen detection capabilities. In Berlin, officials are discussing a city-wide drone monitoring and defence system. According to Bild, plans envisage a network of 62 radio sensors capable of detecting drones at an early stage.
How potentially hostile drones would be neutralised remains under discussion. Options include shooting them down or deploying interceptor drones designed to disable airborne targets using nets.
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