Airports urge police for stronger drone defense
German airports have called on federal and state police to act more decisively against drones. The ADV association holds security authorities responsible and demands a situation center. Bavaria has approved a draft law for defense.
German airports warn of the danger drones pose to safe operations. Ralph Beisel, managing director of the Working Group of German Airports (ADV), told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND): "Drones represent a significant threat to secure and uninterrupted airport operations." Airports, however, cannot implement active defense measures.
Beisel calls for a situation center to identify and assess drone threats early. He stressed: "Clear instructions are also needed on whether and how to defend against and combat drones." Responsibility for technical systems lies with security authorities.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) plans a federal-level defense center involving federal police, customs, BKA, state authorities, and the Bundeswehr. Police union chairman Jochen Kopelke praised a Bavarian draft law: "Bavaria is showing what other states and the federal government must now do." The draft enables police to verify drones and neutralize them—via electronic takeover, netting, disruption, or shooting if necessary.
This follows drone sightings at Munich airport and elsewhere in Germany and Europe. Previously, shooting was legally disputed and equipment was lacking. Bremen's Interior Senator Ulrich Mäurer (SPD), chairman of the Interior Ministers' Conference, warned against unilateral actions. Kopelke also demands new laws, modern technology, and expanded police capabilities.