Germany has launched a new federal police drone-defence unit as part of its response to a growing number of unmanned aerial vehicle incursions, many of which officials have widely blamed on Russia.
Interior minister Alexander Dobrindt said the new unit has a clear mandate to detect, defend against, intercept, and, if necessary, shoot down drones posing a threat. The government plans to expand the force to more than 130 officers and invest over €100 million in drone-defence systems next year.
The move follows a wave of suspicious drone sightings over airports, military facilities, ports and power plants in Germany and across Europe. While investigations continue, several incidents have been linked to foreign interference.
Dobrindt also confirmed that Germany will announce a joint drone-defence coordination centre this week, bringing together federal police, local authorities, and the armed forces. Lawmakers have already granted police broader powers to neutralise drones, and the government is considering a larger military role in protecting German airspace.
