What is the security situation like in Germany?

Is this limited to airports?

No. Critical infrastructure presents particularly attractive targets for political actors, as demonstrated by far-left extremist attacks on rail lines and, presumably, Berlin’s power supply as well.

Critical infrastructure includes sectors that ensure the supply of particularly important goods and services. Outages or disruptions would have dramatic consequences. According to the official definition, these include energy and water supply, food, finance and insurance, information technology and telecommunications, media and culture, municipal waste disposal, government and administration, as well as transportation and traffic.

What are policymakers doing?

Laws and regulations are being adapted to new threats and technological advancements. For example, at the beginning of the year, the Bundestag passed a new “Kritis Umbrella Act,” which imposes stricter requirements on operators of critical infrastructure to protect their facilities and defend against attacks. 

Following the commotion over disruptions at Munich Airport caused by drones flying over the airport last fall, a Joint Drone Defense Center was established by the federal and state governments within the Federal Police. Security agencies, the Bundeswehr, and intelligence services are to exchange information and coordinate operations there—as Dobrindt now says also happened in the case of Leipzig. Following an amendment to the Aviation Security Act passed in the spring, the states can more easily request administrative assistance from the Bundeswehr in defending against drones. 

Is that enough?

It will never be possible to completely prevent such attacks. But politicians and experts also see room for improvement when it comes to defense. According to the Airport Association, a number of major airports are still waiting for the equipment promised by the Ministry of the Interior—systems for detecting and defending against drones.

CDU domestic policy expert Throm says that progress is being made every day in developing defense measures against hybrid attacks. “However, there is still a need for clarification regarding the division of responsibilities for drone defense among the Bundeswehr, state police forces, and the Federal Police. Much of the equipment is already operational. But the procurement of drone defense technology also depends on availability from manufacturers.”

Green Party domestic policy spokesperson Konstantin von Notz calls for “crystal-clear responsibilities, for example in drone defense,” which Dobrindt has so far avoided addressing. Among other things, he says, a daily situation report is needed. “All acts of sabotage and espionage must be documented and communicated, and above all, must be centralized at a coordinating body. Only in this way can we succeed in building the necessary investigative and search pressure, apprehending perpetrators, averting dangers, and not constantly playing catch-up with the situation.”

The police union is calling for a clearer legal framework, better equipment for police agencies, and the establishment of a nationwide drone defense infrastructure.

• Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution on hybrid attacks
• Federal Office for Civil Protection on critical infrastructure

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