Concerns are mounting regarding the national response to increasing drone activity, with criticism directed at Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). Daniela Behrens, Minister of the Interior for Lower Saxony, voiced her worries in an interview, stating that a more proactive approach from the federal government is necessary given the rapid escalation of drone sightings. While acknowledging the adjustment period for new officeholders, Behrens emphasized the urgency, noting that “there is no more time to lose.
Lower Saxony has been particularly affected, recording an average of one drone sighting per day this year. As of the end of September, over 260 sightings have been documented. Behrens stressed the need for a comprehensive national assessment of the emerging threat, arguing that a lack of sufficient information hinders effective responses. “We currently have no good information base” she warned.
The Green Party has joined the critique, with Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader Konstantin von Notz accusing Dobrindt of focusing excessively on migration policy while neglecting crucial security issues. Von Notz asserted that the minister has “strikingly neglected” the issue of drone defense, resulting in a significant loss of time. He highlighted a concerning rise in daily drone overflights, demanding a rapid improvement in detection and defense capabilities.
Von Notz called for enhanced collaboration and capacity building across various agencies, including state police forces, the federal police, the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) and intelligence services. He underscored the Minister’s responsibility to coordinate these efforts. Von Notz further expressed concern over “glaring security gaps” and characterized Dobrindt’s inaction as indicative of broader failures in addressing hybrid threats.