Why Germany Registered Over 1,000 Suspicious Drone Flights in 2025

The number of unauthorized drone sightings over Germany has reached a critical level. The German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) recorded over 1,000 Germany suspicious drone flights by mid-December 2025, according to BKA President Holger Münch. This alarming figure highlights a significant threat to commercial aviation security and critical infrastructure.

The BKA drone statistics show military facilities were the most affected. Airports and critical infrastructure, like arms manufacturers, were also primary targets. Authorities suspect some incidents are state-controlled activity aimed at gathering intelligence and spreading uncertainty.

Aviation Impact and Disruption

German airport disruption has become a serious operational concern for air traffic control. Authorities reported 208 confirmed incidents through November 2025 where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) posed a danger to manned aircraft. This represents a sharp increase in drone-related air traffic disruptions.

Major hubs like Munich Airport experienced significant operational halts. In one October 2025 incident, drone sightings forced the airport to suspend operations. This closure resulted in the cancellation or diversion of dozens of flights. Thousands of passengers were affected by the resulting delays and cancellations.

Such drone flight incidents pose a direct collision risk to aircraft, including large passenger jets from manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. The incidents also cause major financial losses for airlines and airports. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues to monitor the threat across the continent.

New Countermeasures and Legislation

In response to the growing threat, Germany has dramatically increased its airport security measures and defense spending. The government approved over €100 million for 2025 and 2026. This funding is specifically for procuring advanced counter-drone technology.

Key new defense initiatives include:

• Joint Drone Defence Centre (GDAZ): Inaugurated in Berlin, this center will coordinate efforts between federal and state security agencies.
• Specialized Federal Police Unit: A new counter-drone unit, set to grow to 130 specialists, will be deployed at airports and sensitive sites.
• Advanced Technology: The units will use AI-supported jamming systems and automated interceptor drones.

Furthermore, the German cabinet approved reforms to the Air Security Act. This legislation grants federal police and the military new legal powers. The goal is to better detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones.

Military-Grade Defense

The most notable step is the planned procurement of advanced air defense systems. The German Armed Forces are awaiting a major order for Rheinmetall’s Skyranger system. This system, which has significant counter-drone capabilities, is a modern form of anti-aircraft tanks. The deployment of such military-grade defense systems underscores the severity of the threat posed by these unmanned aerial vehicles. The new laws will clarify when the military can assist police in countering larger, more advanced drones. This is vital for maintaining safe flight operation news across German airspace.