More locations: Federal Police drone defense unit to be significantly expanded

After the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport, the new drone defense unit of the Federal Police is to be significantly larger than previously planned. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) will give an instruction to the Federal Police that the unit is to grow to 300 personnel, a spokeswoman for the ministry said.

Instead of four locations, eight locations are now planned "to be quickly and flexibly on site when needed". The "Bild" newspaper had first reported on the planned expansion.

Professionals at work

On the late evening of last Tuesday, a drone laden with explosives and a detonator was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport near Ukrainian transport aircraft. In addition, an aircraft collided with an unknown smaller flying object - possibly a second drone. The Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating on suspicion of attempted causing of an explosive explosion and dangerous interference in air traffic.

The Federal Government did not comment on progress in the investigations and possible connections to previous operations with references to Russia.

In security circles, however, it is already clear that the drone was converted by a professional with technical expertise.

Explosion in Leipzig two years ago

In July 2024, a package ignited at the DHL logistics center in Leipzig. Security circles assume that the package was placed on behalf of Russia. Germany probably only narrowly escaped a plane crash at the time. It was thanks to chance that the package had not caught fire during the flight, said the then head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Thomas Haldenwang.

New Federal Police unit only established in December

In response to the increased threat - mainly from Russia - Dobrindt established a new unit in December 2025, which is intended to detect, intercept and, if necessary, shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles. The personnel are stationed at airports, in the federal capital and nationwide near security-relevant objects in order to be able to respond as quickly as possible.

Originally up to 130 special forces planned

The new unit will initially consist of around 60 federal police officers and is expected to grow rapidly to 130 special forces, it was said in December. It will use, among other things, AI-supported jamming systems and automatic interceptor drones. In addition, the new unit will support the state police in administrative assistance if necessary and have corresponding capacities available.

Federal Government sees no legal need for action

Several politicians had recently suggested changes to the law for more effective defense against the threat posed by drones. The Federal Government, on the other hand, refers to changes already implemented, such as the Aviation Security Act. The Deputy Government Spokesman, Sebastian Hille, said that the Federal Government considered itself well-positioned in terms of the legal situation regarding drone defense.

Schleswig-Holstein's Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) has spoken out in favor of allowing Bundeswehr deployments also within the country in view of the threat situation posed by drones. "Because with drones, it is hardly possible to distinguish whether it is an external or internal political threat. And therefore, I believe we also need to talk about changing the Basic Law, and I also hope that we will come to results," Günther said on Deutschlandfunk.

A two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and Bundesrat would be required to change the Basic Law.

In the news channel Welt TV, the SPD foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner said: "Talking about changes to the Basic Law now makes relatively little sense. We don't actually have a majority that can change the Basic Law in the Bundestag and Bundesrat at the moment." It could be argued about whether it would be reasonable in the matter.

The goal of the new Joint Drone Defense Center of the federal government and states, which started work at the beginning of the year, is, among other things, the exchange of expertise and coordinated action in drone defense.

Günther: Important to be equipped with the best technology

Günther notes that professionals are at work with the drones. "And as professional as that is, it's hard to imagine that there isn't also a state infrastructure behind it." That's why it's important to be equipped with the best technology. "And that can only happen in close cooperation between the federal government and the states."