Germany Records Over 1,000 Suspicious Drone Incidents in 2025, Intensifies Countermeasures

Escalation in Drone Activity

Germany's Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has documented more than 1,000 suspicious drone flights across the country in 2025, marking a significant increase in unauthorized aerial activity. These incidents have predominantly targeted sensitive sites, raising considerable security concerns among German authorities. BKA President Holger Münch stated that a national 'situation picture' has been compiled since the beginning of the year, integrating data from various federal, state, and military sources.

Primary Targets and Espionage Concerns

The suspicious drone flights have been concentrated over military facilities, airports, and other critical infrastructure, including defense companies and port installations. Münch highlighted that while definitive attribution is challenging, many incidents exhibit patterns consistent with state-directed operations, potentially linked to Russian actors. These drones are suspected of conducting reconnaissance and gathering intelligence, with concerns raised about their ability to detect and identify smartphones at military sites where Ukrainian soldiers are undergoing training.

Intensified Countermeasures and Legal Reforms

In response to the escalating threat, German authorities have significantly intensified their countermeasures. Key initiatives include:

• The inauguration of a Joint Drone Defense Center (GDAZ) in Berlin, set to become operational in January, aimed at improving the detection and neutralization of illegal drones.
• The establishment of a specialized federal police drone defense unit, which will expand to approximately 130 specialists. This unit will be deployed at airports, in the capital, and near other sensitive sites, utilizing AI-supported jamming systems and automated interceptor drones.
• The German parliament has approved over €100 million for 2025 and 2026 to procure advanced drone defense technology from German and Israeli manufacturers.
• Reforms to the Air Security Act are underway, granting expanded legal powers to federal police and the military to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones, including provisions for the armed forces to assist when police systems are insufficient.

Ongoing Threat Assessment

BKA President Holger Münch described the situation as an 'acute threat situation,' emphasizing that the goal of these drone activities may be to spread uncertainty and collect information. Despite the challenges in identifying and apprehending all operators, German authorities are committed to enhancing their defense capabilities against this evolving hybrid threat.