Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt unveiled a national drone-defence concept on 2 December, confirming that a new Bundespolizei unit will be permanently stationed at Frankfurt Airport and seven other hubs deemed critical infrastructure (Munich, Berlin-Brandenburg, Cologne/Bonn, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Leipzig/Halle and Stuttgart).
The unit—expected to grow to 130 specialists—will operate AI-enhanced jamming devices and interceptor drones capable of neutralising rogue UAVs that threaten flight safety or conduct industrial espionage. A central coordination centre in Berlin will synthesise real-time airspace data for all eight airports.
![Germany deploys 130-strong drone-defence force at Frankfurt and seven other major airports]()
The announcement follows several high-profile disruptions, including a 3 October incident in which a hobbyist flew a drone near Frankfurt’s perimeter fence, triggering police intervention and potential five-figure fines.
Airline association BDL applauded the move, stressing that drone mitigation should remain a state responsibility to avoid liability gaps for carriers. For mobility and travel managers, the immediate impact is positive—reduced risk of mass cancellations that strand assignees. However, companies operating on-site logistics drones near airport industrial zones must review flight-plan approval processes to avoid interference with the new counter-UAV protocols.
The unit—expected to grow to 130 specialists—will operate AI-enhanced jamming devices and interceptor drones capable of neutralising rogue UAVs that threaten flight safety or conduct industrial espionage. A central coordination centre in Berlin will synthesise real-time airspace data for all eight airports.
The announcement follows several high-profile disruptions, including a 3 October incident in which a hobbyist flew a drone near Frankfurt’s perimeter fence, triggering police intervention and potential five-figure fines.
Airline association BDL applauded the move, stressing that drone mitigation should remain a state responsibility to avoid liability gaps for carriers. For mobility and travel managers, the immediate impact is positive—reduced risk of mass cancellations that strand assignees. However, companies operating on-site logistics drones near airport industrial zones must review flight-plan approval processes to avoid interference with the new counter-UAV protocols.
