Counter-UAS German government strengthens national drone defence capabilities

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n response to a growing number of drone incidents and temporary airport closures, the German government is stepping up its counter-UAS efforts. By the end of 2025, a new national drone defence unit within the Federal Police and a joint federal-state coordination centre are set to become operational, marking a major expansion of Germany’s domestic security infrastructure.

Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) announced in Berlin that the Federal Police will establish a specialised drone defence unit before the end of the year. The new capability will complement an upcoming national counter-drone centre, designed to coordinate efforts between the federal government, the Länder, and the Bundeswehr.

Both initiatives are part of the government’s reform of the Federal Police Act, adopted by the cabinet earlier this week. The draft law introduces comprehensive updates to a legal framework that has remained largely unchanged for three decades — at a time when unmanned aerial systems are increasingly seen as potential threats to airports, railway hubs, and public events.

“Drone incidents threaten our security — we will not allow that,”
said Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) on social media platform X.
“We are strengthening the Federal Police to ensure that hostile drones can be detected and neutralised more rapidly.”

The new legislation gives the Federal Police the authority not only to counter hostile drones but also to operate drones of their own, described in the law as “mobile sensor carriers”, for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes during major events or demonstrations.

The forthcoming Counter-UAS Coordination Centre will pool expertise from police and military agencies, develop new response concepts, and coordinate technology procurement. The Federal Police’s dedicated drone defence unit will be equipped with the latest electronic jamming and detection systems, keeping pace with the fast-evolving threat landscape.

Further legislative changes are also planned: an amendment to the Aviation Security Act will enable the Bundeswehr to provide military support in counter-drone operations, for instance when high-altitude or military-grade UAVs are detected over German airspace.

Beyond drone-related updates, the police reform also expands federal authorities’ powers in several areas. These include targeted telecommunication surveillance, data collection on extremist movements and smuggling routes, and enhanced detention authority for individuals under deportation orders. Additionally, the Federal Police will be authorised to conduct random checks in knife-free and weapon-restricted zones at train stations and on public transport.

The German Police Union (GdP) welcomed the reform, calling it a modern legal framework for contemporary challenges. GdP chairman Jochen Kopelke said it provides “new tools to protect the public and improve crime prevention,” but warned that current counter-drone technology is still insufficiently deployed nationwide. “We already have some jamming equipment, but it’s far from comprehensive,” said Andreas Roßkopf, GdP representative for the Federal Police.

Criticism came from the Left Party, whose domestic policy spokeswoman Clara Bünger described the reform as “a blueprint for a surveillance state,” warning of an erosion of civil liberties. The Federal Police, under the authority of the Ministry of the Interior, are responsible for border protection and security at airports, train stations, and federal government buildings. They also provide assistance to state police forces when requested.