Germany boosts drone and cyber defenses after airport attack

Germany is preparing a broad security package to strengthen defenses against drone attacks, cyber breaches, and suspected Russian sabotage following a failed airport attack last month, according to Reuters citing Bild am Sonntag. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated hybrid attacks attributed to Russia have become part of daily life and are expected to increase. Planned measures include expanding mobile anti-drone capabilities for police, stationing rapid-response units in cities to protect airspace around transport hubs and government districts, and granting critical infrastructure operators legal authority to actively counter drones. Berlin also plans a national cybersecurity shield, a "cyberdome" network of digital sensors to detect hacking attempts, with increased use of AI-assisted technology and biometric surveillance. Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in sabotage operations and the airport incident, threatening to respond to what it calls "anti-Russian action." The proposals broaden German defenses across physical and digital infrastructure as European governments increase security spending. The Interior Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.