Northern German regions deliberate measures to safeguard their territories against unauthorized drone surveillance
In a bid to bolster security against the growing threat of drones, the North German federal states have agreed on a joint approach to counter drone threats in Rostock. This collaboration extends beyond national borders, as the states participate in broader European and NATO initiatives focusing on advanced counter-drone and drone defense technologies.
The joint approach includes the potential for joint procurement of the same technology, aimed at detecting drones, sending jamming signals if necessary, taking control of the drone, and identifying the drone operator. The technology also aims to improve networked security, as mentioned in the Operations Plan Germany.
Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) has spoken of a protective shield over North Germany, aiming to better protect energy supply and military installations from spy drones of foreign intelligence services. The plan also aims to improve the networking of security authorities, civil protection, and industrial companies.
Germany is diversifying its drone capabilities by partnering with companies like Anduril Industries and Rheinmetall. This partnership aims to co-develop software-defined autonomous aerial systems and advanced propulsion technologies tailored for European needs. The collaboration also focuses on establishing a European supply chain for critical components like solid rocket motors to enhance sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
In addition, Germany is looking to diversify its drone supply chain by engaging with Taiwan, which offers advanced chips, motors, and system integration expertise. This is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on Chinese drone components, which pose national security risks due to potential data leaks and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
The North German region serves as a transit area for military goods transport to Scandinavian and Baltic regions. Intelligence services and police forces of North German coastal states regularly observe spying and sabotage-suspected activities, which are increasing in intensity and number. To address these concerns, the German Armed Forces demonstrated a drone defense exercise at the Hanse Kaserne on the grounds of the Marine Command.
A nationwide day of civil protection will take place in Rostock city harbor on an unspecified date, with Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) expected to attend. The ministerial round discussed cybersecurity, disinformation as part of hybrid threats, the work of the Maritime Security Center (MSC), and the Operations Plan Germany. However, the Operations Plan Germany does not specifically mention the coordinated and potentially joint procurement of drone defense technology.
It is important to note that each state will bear its own costs for the technology, and the ministerial round did not discuss the cross-border deployments of the drone defense technology. This joint approach by North German federal states and Germany overall reflects a comprehensive strategy, combining international cooperation, advanced autonomous drone technology, and strategic supply chain diversification to counter evolving drone threats effectively.
In the context of enhancing networked security, the joint approach includes potential collaboration in procuring technology that not only detects and sends jamming signals to drones, but also takes control of them and identifies operators. This technology expansion, as mentioned in the Operations Plan Germany, encompasses the improvement of cybersecurity.
The discussions on a nationwide day of civil protection and the ministerial round have mentioned cybersecurity and disinformation as part of hybrid threats, suggesting the incorporation of cybersecurity measures in the general-news and politics landscape.
