New special units for drone defense: What companies need to know now

Drones have long been part of everyday life in private and commercial sectors. At the same time, the number of security-relevant incidents is constantly increasing. Unauthorized drone flights disrupt processes, endanger critical infrastructure and pose a growing risk to companies. In order to counteract these developments, the Federal Police is expanding its capacities and has set up a new special drone defense unit. The Federal Ministry of the Interior states that in future, these units should respond to drone incidents across Germany and use modern defense technologies. Source: BMI

Why drones are becoming an increasing security risk

Drones are increasingly appearing where they can cause significant damage. These include industrial sites, energy and supply infrastructure, commercial spaces, logistics sites, construction sites and public areas. The Süddeutsche Zeitung reports on a growing number of cases in which drones are responsible for disruptions, espionage or threats. Source: Süddeutsche Zeitung
Many of these devices are small, quiet, and difficult to detect. Nevertheless, they can jeopardize operational processes as well as data protection guidelines or the protection of sensitive areas.

Tasks of the new drone defense unit of the Federal Police

The special unit complements the existing federal security structures. It performs several central tasks that are crucial for rapid and controlled responses.

1. Quick intervention

Teams are positioned nationwide in order to be able to arrive at deployment sites within a very short period of time. This should make it possible to immediately assess and secure drone incidents.

2. Detection and identification

Modern sensor methods are used to detect drones. These include radio frequency analysis, radar-based detection, and optical and thermal camera systems. In combination with AI, the type, position and behavior of a drone can be determined at an early stage.

3. Defend instead of shoot

The focus is on electronic countermeasures. The aim is to stop drones in a controlled manner without creating risks for people or property. This includes disrupting the control connection, interrupting image transmission, or triggering a safe landing.

Why companies should take action now

The new special unit improves the national security situation, but does not replace the local protective measures taken by companies. For operators of commercial spaces, logistics centers, industrial parks or energy plants, their own prevention remains crucial.

Early detection as a key factor

Modern detection systems often recognize a drone before it reaches the actual area. The combination of sensors, radio monitoring and AI enables a reliable display of threats in real time.

Automated response processes

Autonomous defense mechanisms such as the controlled interference of a drone or the automatic activation of a drone surveillance flight increase the reaction speed and relieve security personnel.

Integration into existing security structures

The systems can be integrated into control centers or existing alarm processes via interfaces. This creates a consistent security concept with clear processes and documented events.

Modern solutions in practical use

Professional drone protection systems today rely on a multi-level safety model.

- First, detection, which a drone detects at an early stage.

- Second, analysis, in which an AI classifies the threat.

- Third, the response that triggers defenses or alerts.

- Fourthly, documentation that is relevant to authorities or insurance companies.

This combination enables robust protection of even large or complex sites.

conclusion

The establishment of their own drone defense unit by the Federal Police highlights the growing importance of this issue. For companies, this means that drone protection has long since become a basic safety-relevant task. Modern systems enable reliable early detection, controlled defense and a significant reduction in safety-critical incidents. Companies that act early not only increase their protection standards, but also create long-term security for infrastructure, employees and operational processes.