Dr. Weber explained that is it very likely that these are Russian devices, which could be understood as a political signal in response to the Danish government's announcement that it would be procuring long-range weapons. However, the threat posed by drones has long been imminent for European countries: Security experts in Germany have experienced an increase in sightings of unknown aircraft over Bundeswehr facilities and relevant federal authorities in recent years.
Realistic options for countering drones are difficult to implement: According to Dr. Weber, the unnoticed intrusion of comparable drones can be explained by their ability to fly low below radar coverage. Once the drones have risen over the radar coverage, targeted interception is often risky and requires complex technology, while electronic jamming systems often fail in the case of military drones.
Years of neglect have left Germany with a deficit in drone capabilities: Of the approximately 618 Bundeswehr drones, only 5 are capable of being armed. The new threat situation highlights that it is now time to respond more forcefully within NATO and EU borders and to remove potential legal hurdles to defensive measures. Some intruding drones should be secured, their origin checked, and diplomatic consequences drawn.