Interior Minister Relies on Special Unit for Drone Defense - Drones Disrupt Berlin's BER Airport Six Times in 2025, Raising Security Concerns
Drones have caused chaos around Berlin's BER airport six times in 2025, raising concerns about national security. Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspects some of these drones could be controlled from Russia, although Moscow denies involvement. Brandenburg, however, is better equipped to handle such incursions thanks to its advanced technology and trained personnel.
Brandenburg's drone defense was active during the 35th anniversary of German unity in Saarbrücken, demonstrating its preparedness. In 2025 alone, Brandenburg police have sighted 84 drones of unknown origin, a significant increase from the 58 sightings in 2024. Interior Minister René Wilke considers these incidents a 'massive breach of borders'.
To tackle this issue, Wilke suggests techniques to force drones to land or intercept them, and considers shooting them down as a last resort. He emphasizes the need for cooperation between federal, state, and different authorities to improve drone defense and effectively respond to the increasing drone disruptions. This includes the specialized unit of the Brandenburg police working with other authorities, and collaboration between the Bund, Länder, and various agencies.
Drone incidents have been on the rise in Germany and Europe, with Munich Airport also facing consecutive disruptions. Brandenburg's advanced drone defense technology and trained personnel have proven crucial in handling these incursions. However, as Interior Minister René Wilke suggests, enhanced cooperation and effective strategies are vital to combat this growing threat.
