German air traffic control: More drone sightings at German airports

Deutsche Flugsicherung reports an increase in drone sightings at German airports, prompting heightened security concerns. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) urgently arrived in Leipzig following the recent incident. The nature of these hybrid threats remains unclear, but Dobrindt emphasizes they primarily aim to create uncertainty rather than engage in direct military confrontation.

Russian involvement is suspected, although Dobrindt refrains from making definitive accusations. The Union's internal spokesman, Alexander Throm (CDU), suggests the Leipzig incident indicates a hybrid war threat has been transmitted into Germany.

The security landscape has significantly worsened, with increased reporting of suspicious activities by security agencies in both federal and state levels. These threats range from cyberattacks, espionage, sabotage of critical infrastructure, and physical violence against economic and civil society representatives. Illegal drones over critical infrastructure have notably increased since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine.

While flighports are of concern, other critical infrastructure targets like railway lines, power grids, and Berlin's electricity supply are also attractive to political actors. Critical infrastructure includes sectors ensuring the supply of vital goods and services, with their failures or impairments carrying severe consequences. The new "Critical Infrastructure Act" passed at the beginning of the year now imposes stricter protection measures and defenses against attacks on critical infrastructure.

Following the Münster airport drone incidents in the autumn, a joint drone defense center was established between the federal government and states, and it is expected to facilitate information sharing and coordinated actions. The Bundeswehr and intelligence services are expected to collaborate within this center. Since a law amendment in the spring, the states can now more easily request Bundeswehr assistance in countering drone threats. However, despite these measures, it remains challenging to completely prevent such attacks.