German lawmaker warns against false sense of security at airports
The head of Germany’s parliamentary intelligence oversight committee has warned against a false sense of security at German airports following recent drone incidents at several Danish airports.
Marc Henrichmann, a lawmaker from Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative party, told Funke Media Group newspapers in remarks published on Thursday that airports are key points of critical infrastructure and are increasingly targeted by hybrid attacks ranging from drone overflights to cyberattacks.
“We must not be lulled into a false sense of security, but become more resilient and respond faster,” he said. Henrichmann also noted that Germany is lagging in securing sensitive infrastructure such as airports.
Drones have been spotted over multiple airports in Denmark in recent days. Danish authorities said they have no clear evidence identifying those responsible, though Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has not ruled out Russian involvement. The Kremlin has denied any connection to the incident.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans in parliament on Thursday to strengthen drone defence capabilities and reform the Aviation Security Act.
Security expert Konstantin von Notz of the Greens criticized Dobrindt for “massive failures” on drone defence. He called for improved detection and countermeasures, involving state and federal police, the military, and intelligence agencies, coordinated through a national security council to be established at the chancellery.
