A new drone detection system has entered service at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport said. The system is designed to detect unmanned aircraft at an early stage in approach and departure zones and promptly alert the authorities responsible for air traffic safety.
Germany’s air navigation service provider, DFS, is responsible for the technical detection of objects. Decisions on further measures, including any possible countermeasures, rest with the competent security authorities. The Transport Ministry and DFS have coordinated data-sharing channels with the Interior Ministry and security agencies.
Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) called the launch an important step for flight safety. “We take the growing threat posed by drones around airports very seriously. That is why it was important to act quickly and equip Germany’s international airports with the relevant technology,” he said.
The move follows numerous drone sightings near German airports. In the first half of 2026, BER recorded more such incidents than any other airport in the country — 28, one more than Frankfurt. Flights were temporarily halted in seven of those cases.
Similar systems are due to be installed this year in the approach and departure areas of other major international airports in Germany. The system is not intended to intercept drones; it gives controllers and security services more time to assess the situation and coordinate their response.
