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Alarming numbers: Almost 300 police drone flights in Rhineland-Palatinate!
Drone flights over Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland: Police register almost 300 operations; Experts call for protection concepts.
Alarming numbers: Almost 300 police drone flights in Rhineland-Palatinate!
In recent months, the police in Rhineland-Palatinate have recorded a notable increase in drone flights. According to current information, a total of 296 operations were registered from January to mid-October 2025. The most common sightings occurred over residential properties, where 143 flights were documented. Open terrain hosted 75 flights, while 46 were conducted over military properties and 15 over chemical companies. This reports n-tv.
The increase in drone flights has alarmed the Rhineland-Palatinate Greens. They are calling for a binding cross-border protection concept against drones in order to better protect critical infrastructure. Interior Minister Michael Ebling confirmed the figures mentioned in response to a parliamentary question from the Green Party and pointed out that there are currently no uniform concepts in Germany. However, he emphasized the importance of exchanges in police operations.
Warning of spying attempts
Carl-Bernhard von Heusinger, interior expert for the Green Party, expressed concerns that targeted spying attempts on critical infrastructure could be hidden behind the drone flights. An expert in the security of critical infrastructure, Manuel Atug, also warned that Germany was ill-prepared for such threats. The influence of professionally flown drones, which can potentially stay in the air for long periods of time, could come from well-organized groups or even state actors. The focus of this discussion is the question of how Germany can deal with these modern challenges.
Atug notes that it is noticeable that many of these drones fly with navigation lights on, which could indicate a non-secret actor. This form of threat is perceived by many as systematic, as was recently the case in Denmark after drone sightings near Copenhagen Airport. The government sees a serious challenge here.
Complex defense options
The legal framework for defending against drones is complicated in Germany. Various authorities, including the state and federal police, are involved here. Technical defense approaches such as “jamming”, intercepting with nets or even shooting down drones each bring their own challenges. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has said that the options for countering reconnaissance flights are limited. Even if politicians are considering expanded powers for military police, the question of drone defense remains current and explosive.
There is a clear call for private individuals: If suspicious drone flights are noticed, the police should be informed. There are legal no-fly zones and restrictions on the use of drones that not everyone is aware of. It is therefore important to be vigilant and take action if you suspect unauthorized use.
The debate about drone protection and defense will continue to gain in importance, not least due to technological advances and the increasingly complex security situation. The demand for a cross-border concept is becoming louder and louder and remains a central issue for the coming months, especially in view of developments in the security structure of the Federal Republic.