Germany unveils drone and cyber defense plan against Russian hybrid attacks

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans to bolster Germany's defenses against hybrid Russian attacks, citing daily threats from drones, cyberattacks, and sabotage. The measures follow a failed explosive-laden drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August. The plans include fully protecting airspace over critical hubs like airports, railway stations, and Berlin's government district with rapidly deployable drone units. Companies operating critical infrastructure, such as water utilities and defense contractors, would gain legal authority to actively defend against drones. A national "Cyberdome" shield with digital sensors is also proposed to intercept hacker attacks. Dobrindt told Bild that Russia's hybrid attacks are a daily reality and predicted they would increase, though he asserted Germany can defend itself. The failed August drone incident targeted Ukrainian transport aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport.