Drone alarm signal over Gifhorn: What's behind it?

Drone alarm signal over Gifhorn: What's behind it?

An unusual incident caused excitement in the community of Meine in the Gifhorn district on Thursday evening, October 8, 2025. At around 9 p.m., an attentive witness reported several drones hovering over the airspace near a federal police flying squadron. However, little is known about the exact number of drones and their flight path. According to reports in the “Bild” newspaper, three drones were flying in formation at an altitude of around 100 meters and flying at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The police have already started an investigation to clarify the background to the sighting, but so far remain uncertain whether the drones are connected to the flying squadron stationed nearby, which is currently being modernized and expanded.

Sightings of drones over German cities and especially over critical infrastructure are increasing significantly. A worrying increase in drone sightings was recorded across Germany in 2025. In Lower Saxony, the authorities have received four reports per month since the beginning of the year. Against this background, the Lower Saxony Interior Minister spoke of an “urgent need for action”. The incident in Lower Saxony also joins a series of similar sightings that have increased in recent years.

Growing threat from drones

With the increasing number of drones over Bundeswehr locations and critical infrastructure, the call for more effective defense measures is becoming louder and louder. Security expert Ulrike Franke warns that Germany is not sufficiently prepared for this threat. Drones often disappear without their origin or intent being known. These uncertainties are fueling fears among the population and politicians. The police and the Bundeswehr are alarmed because the options for detection and defense are inadequate.

In this tense situation, Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is planning various defense strategies against drones. This includes, among other things, intercepting and shooting down drones. Evidence suggests that many of these unidentified flying objects likely originate from or are controlled from Russia. The problem requires a comprehensive strategy to effectively protect specific locations and critical infrastructure.

Results and outlook

In conclusion, it should be noted that the public is required to be cautious and vigilant. The developments surrounding the drone sightings are being closely monitored by the police, and in cases of doubt, air traffic may even have to be interrupted. The developments surrounding the drone in Meine show that there is an urgent need for action in the debate about aviation security and drone defense. It remains to be hoped that effective solutions will be found to ensure the safety of citizens and critical facilities.

For further information on this topic, we recommend the reports from NDR, t online and ZDF.