Aloha, Drone Spies - It's High Time We Take Action Against Them
By FalkSteiner
Escalating drone threats persist - countermeasures in Germany remain absent - Expanding Drone Threat Pose Looms, Leaving Germany Without Adequate Defensive Strategy In Place
The following article has been previously published in October 2024.
In the sunny lands of Schleswig-Holstein, the skies above the Brunsbuettel industrial park have been buzzing with worry in the dead of night. Spying drones have been repeatedly flying overhead, casting a shadow over a nearby LNG terminal, the Kiel Canal locks, and even the ghost of the Brunsbuettel nuclear power plant. Autumn whispers of espionage by Russian forces have been circulating, with the public prosecutor's office conducting a thorough investigation.
It's not just Brunsbuettel where drones should steer clear, but everywhere that matters. Airports, critical infrastructure, lush training areas for Ukrainian soldiers—the list goes on. The cases are piling up, creating a political crisis that exposes Germany's drone defense as flawed. We're ready for action, but are we truly prepared?
"We're playing catch-up when it comes to drones of any kind, as well as drone defense and electronic warfare capabilities in Germany," warns Roderich Kiesewetter, a former Bundeswehr colonel and a CDU member of the German Bundestag. "We're currently underprepared and facing significant challenges."
The Greens echo his concerns. "There are two gaps: a capability gap and a responsibility gap," says Jan Kuerschner, a Green Party member of the state parliament of Schleswig-Holstein. "The current drone defense systems are inadequate, and there's a need for clear allocation of responsibilities to prevent chaos."
Responsibility Rumble: When the Bundeswehr Asks the Police for Help
The chaos of responsibilities has become a security risk. The Bundeswehr has the best potential for air surveillance, but it can only intervene when there's an immediate risk to the site or soldiers. "Once we spot a drone near a German military site, we can only act in exceptional cases," says a spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Defense. "In all other cases, we have to coordinate with the civilian authorities responsible for this area."
Industrial facilities like the LNG terminal or Brunsbuettel's chemical park must protect themselves against disruptions. Standard practice includes industrial fire departments and plant protection, but there's no legal permission to repel drones. Some effective measures are even prohibited: "Enforcing such measures would often take place outside of one's property," says Martin Maslaton, a representative of the industry association Zivile Drohnen (BVZD).
Defending the Sky: Better Tools for the Hobby Drone Threat
Several German states, including Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, have recently equipped their police forces with drone defense systems. Officers are currently being trained on these new tools.
Meanwhile, the Federal Police at Frankfurt Airport is set to receive a drone defense system from Securiton. The system promises drone detection, verification, and intervention, focusing on micro and small drones. The Federal Police has already had success with a similar system developed by Securiton for the World Economic Forum.
However, these solutions aim for the low-hanging fruit, largely neglecting military-grade drones. They're usually faster, can fly hundreds of kilometers away and autonomously, and are often impossible to intercept with current civilian systems.
For Roderich Kiesewetter, the writing's on the wall: "With the technology currently available, we're ill-equipped to deal with these advanced drones. Advanced artificial intelligence modules for automatic target detection don't exist yet."
Arming Ourselves Against Spy Drones? Proceed with Caution
The Bundeswehr is currently developing the Skyranger, a cannon-wheeled tank capable of shooting down drones. The tank, set to replace the retired Gepard tank, has been ordered in numbers exceeding the Bundeswehr's airfields and air bases—their potential targets.
However, the challenge lies with the multitude of facilities deemed critical infrastructure—like waterworks, power plants, or sensitive installations whose failure could cause significant trouble. A deliberate strike on drones above such infrastructure carries high risks, with debris potentially causing major damage. "You can't shoot down drones over Brunsbuettel," says Jan Kutscher, a Green state parliamentarian.
Germany's plans for armed drones remain stagnant, with years of discussions about their potential use by the Bundeswehr. Critics argue that a reliance on armed drones could create ethical and legal dilemmas. On the other hand, closer cooperation with Ukraine, the leading experts in this field, could provide valuable insights.
As for the tense skies of Schleswig-Holstein, the remains quiet for now. But with drone sightings popping up all over the country, a sense of unease lingers. "The drone flights have made me thoughtful," says Mayor Martin Schmedtje. "They bring the conflict in Ukraine right to our doorstep."
The debate around drone defense, legal provisions for drone flights, and the protection of critical infrastructure shows no sign of abating. The need for a robust drone defense system is more urgent than ever if we're to preserve Germany's security and integrity. Aloha, drone spies—it's time we took you down.
- The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down the rules for the application of this Regulation in relation to the need for a robust drone defense system to preserve Germany's security and integrity.
- The political crisis exposes Germany's drone defense as flawed, with concerns raised about the technology used, the responsibility gaps, and the inadequate drone defense systems, particularly in the face of military-grade drones and political espionage.
