Drones are Stressing the Security Services

"The European Football Championship in Germany and the Olympic Games in France are driving forces to highlight the existing capability gap in drone defence. It is essential to consider not only military but also civilian aspects of drone defence, especially with regard to critical infrastructures," says cep digital expert Anselm Küsters, who examined the current situation with cep security expert Jörg Köpke. History shows that technological developments such as the armoured tank in the First World War and the atomic bomb in the Second World War were decisive turning points in warfare. Drones could play a similar role in current and future wars.

More than 90 per cent of drones in use today are radio controlled. And the number of drones operating over cellular networks such as LTE/5G or autonomously is growing. This could lead to capability gaps if existing defence systems are not designed for this technology. During the European Football Championship, unauthorised drone flights were recorded at all venues in Germany. Every flight in the prohibited zones of the tournament cities is a criminal offence.

"In addition to the military aspects, civilian areas such as pop concerts, water management and data centres must also be taken into account. Drone defence should be integrated into traditional perimeter protection, for example as part of the KRITIS umbrella law," demands Köpke.