Tech-Standort: Drohnenzentrum in Sachsen-Anhalt soll Deutschland sicherer machen

Germany faces an increasing number of hybrid threats, including espionage, sabotage, and attacks on critical infrastructure. Drones, becoming more powerful yet harder to defend against, play a significant role in this. In Saxony-Anhalt, a focus is being placed on researching technologies to give security authorities an edge in this race.

The German Center for Aviation and Space Research (DLR) in Cochstedt, Salzlandkreis, has opened a new technology center for drone security. Up to ten million euros will be invested in the center's expansion over the coming years. In conjunction with Braunschweig, researchers will develop and test safe drone usage, detection, and countermeasures under realistic conditions.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) presented a sobering picture of the security situation during the center's opening. Germany is daily targeted by hybrid attacks, with the country being a focal point due to its economic, political, and security importance in Central Europe. Dobrindt warned that "whoever targets Germany targets all of Europe."

Drones recently made their presence felt in Leipzig, where a converted drone rigged with explosives was discovered between Ukrainian freight aircraft two weeks ago. The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) described the incident as a "serious attack on Germany's transport and logistics infrastructure." The minister classified the event as part of an escalating security threat, stating, "Leipzig is not a singular case, it is part of a larger entity with which we must contend."

The minister remained cautious about potential Russian involvement, stating that Leipzig's origin remains unclear. Cyberattacks have been linked to Russia, but Leipzig's case requires evidence collection first before assigning blame. Dobrindt emphasized that once proof is provided, responsibility will be assigned. The ministry's role is to ensure that security authorities have the necessary evidence before assigning responsibility.

Dorothee Bär, the Federal Minister of Research, highlighted Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine, demonstrating the advancement of drone technology and the emergence of new capabilities. This necessitates a rapid response from security measures. According to Bär, the race between drone defense and countermeasures is escalating. Israeli and Ukrainian partners have reported innovation cycles lasting just eight to twelve weeks, underscoring the need for defense to keep pace.

DLR Cochstedt currently employs around 40 people full-time, with numbers expected to rise to 65 in the future. During larger exercises, up to 250 representatives from the Federal Criminal Police Office, federal and state police, Bundeswehr, and other agencies will be on-site simultaneously. Dobrindt stressed that the location will primarily allow for practical testing of new technologies under realistic conditions, benefiting both companies and security authorities.