Since the start of the war in Ukraine, there has been an increase in sightings of suspected spy drones over Bundeswehr bases and critical infrastructure. After the number of incidents fell slightly in 2024, it has risen significantly again since this year. Overflights over the Manching and Neuburg military airfields were particularly noticeable.

In order to protect itself against this form of espionage, the Bundeswehr is significantly increasing its inventory of drone detection and defence systems and procuring additional equipment. For security reasons, it is not giving details of the technologies used.

Experts emphasise that there is no universal defence solution and that comprehensive equipment will take time. At the same time, drones are undergoing rapid technological development, leading to a "technical arms race".

Prof Gerhard Elsbacher from Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences describes the situation as a "cat-and-mouse game" and a classic arms race with enormous momentum. Such a pace is unheard of in the defence industry - planning used to take much longer, whereas today there are very rapid technological leaps. Elsbacher heads the Technology Transfer Centre for Unmanned Flight Systems in Manching. His statements underline the extent to which drone technology and its defence are driving each other forward in a short space of time - and how central research institutions in Bavaria have become to this development.

You can find the full article on the Bavarian Broadcasting website:
www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/spionage-drohnen-bundeswehr-ruestet-bei-abwehr-auf,Usv0MmS