Overview

• Niedersachsen recorded 272 reported drone sightings from January through September, up from 131 in all of 2024, prompting a January request of about €7 million for new anti-drone technology.
• Schleswig-Holstein’s parliament unanimously backed a motion calling for security authorities to be able to investigate and, if necessary, stop drone overflights of sensitive facilities.
• Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack reported 102 sightings in Schleswig-Holstein this year and stressed these are initial reports, with several cases ruled out as illegal flights and others over military sites still unverified.
• Schleswig-Holstein police have purchased new response vehicles slated for drone detection and countermeasure equipment as part of a staged policing approach.
• Political leaders framed some flights as potential tools of hybrid warfare and urged legal changes for Bundeswehr support, with proposals to give the Bundespolizei clear responsibility for airport protection.