Germany’s Interior Minister, Alexander Dobrindt, has characterized the threat landscape facing the nation as “abstract yet significant” emphasizing that in specific instances, the danger is acutely real. Speaking during a parliamentary debate concerning his ministry’s budget, Dobrindt highlighted ongoing security concerns, referencing recent drone overflights of critical infrastructure in Denmark.
He stated that Germany is facing a hybrid threat, encompassing elements of sabotage and espionage, leading to a bolstering of internal security measures. Dobrindt clarified that the ongoing shift in geopolitical circumstances, often referred to as a Zeitenwende (a watershed moment), extends beyond traditional military expansion to include strengthening domestic security capabilities.
The Minister indicated a developing arms race between drone threats and drone defense capabilities, pledging increased investment in this area. Plans are underway to revise air safety legislation and allocate resources guided by the principles of detection, deterrence and interception. These investments aim to proactively address evolving security challenges and safeguard essential infrastructure.