Germany builds 'protective shield' against Russian sabotage after Leipzig drone attack

Germany is preparing a comprehensive "protective shield" against Russian sabotage and other hybrid attacks following a failed explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt plans a package of measures covering drone defense, critical infrastructure protection, and cyberattack countermeasures. The plan includes expanding the federal police's mobile drone-fighting unit, with new rapid-response teams equipped with helicopters and special vehicles stationed in nine strategic cities including Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin. Companies managing critical infrastructure would gain legal powers to actively counter drones, while AI, biometric facial recognition, and video surveillance would be deployed at train stations. A national "Cyberdome" network of digital sensors is proposed to detect and block hacking attempts. On September 1, Germany directly accused Russia of the hybrid attack at Leipzig airport in early August and announced retaliatory measures.