Political Parties Call for Better Defense Measures Following Drone Incident

Following the incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport, the parliamentary groups in the Saxon state parliament are calling for more effective drone defense measures. Following a special session of the Interior Committee, the CDU, SPD, and Greens spoke out in favor of a better nationwide defense system.

The federal and state governments must jointly review their respective responsibilities and capabilities, said Ronny Wähner (CDU). Wähner also called for a debate on the role of the Bundeswehr when civilian authorities reach their limits.

“We can’t rely on sheer luck again”

Joint measures with the federal government must be improved, said Valentin Lippmann (Greens). “We cannot rely on sheer luck again.” Lippmann also called on the Saxon government to revise its security and risk assessments. He noted that Saxony had not yet been prepared to defend against an attack involving a drone carrying unconventional explosives.

The BSW also criticized gaps in defense. Saxony must be able to detect non-commercial drones as well, said Jens Hentschel-Thöricht. This also applies to the microelectronics industry in Silicon Saxony as well as water and energy supplies.

Rico Gebhardt (The Left) said he holds Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) responsible for expanding protection against hostile drones. He also warned of a whole range of hybrid attacks.

AfD Criticizes Use as a Military Hub

The AfD, which had requested the special session of the Interior Committee, expressed criticism of the use of Leipzig Airport as a hub for military goods without adequate protection. This makes us a target for attacks, said Sebastian Wippel. He called for an end to the “confusion over jurisdiction in drone defense.”

Drone with Explosives Discovered Near Ukrainian Aircraft

On the night of August 5, a drone equipped with explosives and a detonator was discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport near Ukrainian transport aircraft and was brought down by an employee. In addition, an aircraft collided with an unknown smaller flying object—possibly a second drone. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office is investigating on suspicion of attempted detonation of explosives and endangering air traffic.