Overview

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz called recent drone sightings a serious security threat and said he suspects Russia is behind many of the flights.
• Munich airport twice halted operations late last week due to drones, with authorities also noting recent incidents near Frankfurt and Copenhagen.
• Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt proposed a joint drone-defense center to pool capabilities of federal police, customs, the BKA and state authorities.
• A dispute continues over the Bundeswehr’s domestic role, with Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig urging caution while others press to loosen limits.
• Officials report no incidents with armed drones to date, as experts highlight detection gaps and discuss options such as jamming, electronic takeover and emerging laser systems.