The German government is scrambling to bolster its drone defense capabilities, approving an immediate injection of €30 million with a further €50 million earmarked for next year, according to a draft document from the Federal Ministry of Finance obtained by “Der Tagesspiegel”. The emergency funding, revealed in a parliamentary briefing, highlights a rapidly escalating concern over drone-related security risks impacting airports, critical infrastructure and property protection.
The document details the Interior Ministry’s urgent plea for the funds, arguing that delays could compromise the procurement of drone defense systems for the Federal Police. The justification underscores a significant shift in the security landscape, asserting that the need for intensified drone defense measures was unanticipated during the 2025 budget’s initial approval. Waiting for the regular budget cycle was deemed unacceptable given the escalating risk profile.
The rushed approval reflects a recognition that the escalating proliferation of drones and the emergence of concrete threats necessitate a dramatic acceleration of procurement timelines and a significant expansion of detection and defense capabilities. While the Federal Police have been engaged in drone defense initiatives for some time, the speed of recent developments and the quantifiable increase in threats were unforeseen at the time of the budget’s passage.
However, the rapid disbursement of funds is drawing criticism from within the opposition. Leon Eckert, Green Party security expert, emphasized the critical nature of a comprehensive national drone defense strategy, stating a robust framework is currently absent. He cautioned that technology alone is insufficient without a clear and unified plan.
Similarly, Alexander Dobrindt, a prominent figure in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), while welcoming the additional funding, voiced concerns about transparency and accountability. He is planning the establishment of a drone defense center and demanded that the government clearly articulate the intended purpose of the expenditure and demonstrate a clear understanding of the allocated resources to the parliament. The rapid influx of funds, he argued, needs to be paired with precise planning and defined responsibilities to achieve meaningful results. The situation exposes a potential disconnect between budget planning and evolving security threats, raising questions about the government’s preparedness for future challenges.