Berlin plans to introduce a drone defence system
Berlin plans to roll out a network of sensors to protect against potential air attacks. The system is intended to provide additional security during major events, state visits and for key facilities, reports Bild.
The plan involves installing 62 radio sensors covering the city from Wannsee to Müggelsee. Each sensor will monitor a radius of 5 to 10 kilometres. In central areas, particularly the government district, radars and cameras are also to be deployed.
The system is designed to detect autonomous drones that are not linked to an operator. Installation of the equipment is expected to take up to six months.
The former Tempelhof Airport is being considered as one of the options for the control centre. It is located in the central part of the city, and the police headquarters is already housed in its buildings.
It has not yet been determined exactly how hostile drones will be dealt with. In particular, the question of their destruction remains open, as debris could fall on the city and pose a danger to people. The use of interceptor drones equipped with nets to neutralise targets is also being discussed.
The project was initiated by Dirk Stettner, leader of the CDU faction in Berlin. According to him, over €5 million has already been allocated in the budget for the implementation of this system.
At the same time, the city authorities plan to strengthen civil defence. Following a government meeting at the Ministry of Defence, Acting Mayor Kai Wegner announced additional measures. Each senate department will designate responsible individuals who will have access to classified information following a security clearance.
Civil defence training, measures to protect cultural assets and the creation of alternative locations for government bodies are also being prepared.
Particular attention is being paid to cybersecurity. In Berlin, it is estimated that a digital attack is recorded every two seconds.
Hospitals, in particular, are under cyberattack. Medical facilities are also reporting incidents of attempted espionage and sabotage, including drone flights, broken doors and the presence of unknown individuals in restricted areas. In light of this, plans are in place to tighten access controls.
