Germany is planning to expand its use of anti-drone systems, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity technology to protect critical infrastructure following a failed drone attack at an airport last month, according to Bild am Sonntag.
The package would expand Germany’s ability to detect and respond to drone attacks, cyber intrusions and other forms of sabotage targeting critical infrastructure.
Under the plan, police mobile drone-defence capabilities would be expanded, with rapidly deployable counter-drone units stationed in cities to protect airspace around critical transport hubs and government districts.
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Companies operating critical infrastructure, including power utilities and defence manufacturers, could also be given legal authority to actively defend against drones rather than simply detect them.
Germany is also considering the creation of a national protective system dubbed a “cyberdome”. The system would use a network of digital sensors to detect and intercept attempted hacking attacks.
Artificial intelligence would form another part of the planned security expansion. The government intends to increase the use of AI-supported technologies, biometric facial recognition and video surveillance, including at railway stations.
The technologies could be used to identify suspected attackers and detect preparations for acts of sabotage.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told Bild that Russia’s alleged hybrid attacks had become part of daily reality, adding that Germany could defend itself against such threats.
The reported plans follow a drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August, when a drone was found near a runway and explosives experts were called to examine it.
Russia has denied involvement in the airport incident and has rejected allegations that it is conducting sabotage operations across Western Europe.
Germany’s Interior Ministry did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on the reported measures.
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Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
