Berlin is stepping up its defences against the growing threat of drone attacks on key state institutions. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has warned that the risk of a drone strike on the German Bundestag and other constitutional bodies has increased significantly, calling for a permanent counter-drone capability to be put in place.
In a letter to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, reported by the Rheinische Post, Dobrindt stresses that protecting the constitutional organs is of particular importance given the current abstract threat situation. The exchange was triggered by a December inquiry from Klöckner, who asked whether the new Federal Police counter-drone unit could be deployed to safeguard parliament. Dobrindt’s reply clarifies that the unit can provide support for limited periods under administrative assistance, but primary responsibility for drone defence at the Bundestag remains with the Berlin state police.
Rising Drone Incidents Across Europe
The warning comes amid growing concern across the continent about drone intrusions. For months, NATO member states have reported drones entering their airspace, keeping security agencies on high alert. The danger was underscored recently in the Baltic states, where Lithuanian political leaders had to seek shelter after a drone entered the country’s airspace. Security agencies attribute several such incidents to Russian GPS jamming, which can cause drones to veer off course and cross into NATO territory.
In Germany, the Bundeswehr’s Operational Command has noted repeated illegal drone flights over critical infrastructure and military installations, pointing to possible reconnaissance attempts by foreign actors. These developments mirror broader trends: Ukraine's drone campaign has demonstrated how unmanned systems can disrupt supply lines, while Russian drone barrages continue to target civilian areas in Kharkiv.
Germany Expands Legal and Technical Defences
In response, Germany is broadening its counter-drone toolkit. A reform of the Aviation Security Act has extended the powers of the Federal Police and the Bundeswehr. The armed forces will now be allowed to support state police in countering drones and, as a last resort, to use armed force if a threat cannot be neutralised by other means. Streamlined decision-making processes aim to enable faster responses to emerging threats.
On the technical front, Berlin is discussing the establishment of a comprehensive detection and defence system. According to Bild, a network of 62 radio sensors is planned to detect drones at an early stage. How suspicious flying objects will be stopped in an emergency remains under debate: options include shooting them down or deploying special interceptor drones that can disable others using nets. The ILA Berlin 2026 aerospace show has highlighted how new defence startups are reshaping the industry, with drone countermeasures a key focus.
Dobrindt’s letter underscores that the threat is not hypothetical. As drones become cheaper and more capable, the risk of their misuse—whether by state actors, terrorists, or criminals—is rising across Europe. The interior minister’s call for permanent protection reflects a broader recognition that static, temporary measures are no longer sufficient.
