German airports implement new drone detection systems

Major German airports, including Stuttgart and Hamburg, have implemented new electronic drone detection systems to enhance aviation security. The rollout follows a security incident in Leipzig/Halle in August, where a drone suspected of being prepared with explosives was discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft.

At Stuttgart Airport, the new system utilizes sensors mounted on four masts to track flight movements and identify the type of object, while also allowing operators to locate the drone pilot. This technology replaces previous methods that relied heavily on manual visual inspections and reports from the public, which were often prone to false alarms.

In Hamburg, the Senate has allocated 4.2 million euros for detection and defense systems. These systems, provided by Argus Interception, include the capability to deploy interception drones that can capture suspicious objects using nets. The deployment of these technologies aims to ensure that all eight major German commercial airports are equipped with modern drone detection capabilities in their arrival and departure areas.