German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt believes the risk of potential drone attacks targeting the Bundestag and other constitutional institutions has increased.
In a letter to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, seen by the German newspaper Rheinische Post, Dobrindt called for a permanent counter-drone capability to protect key state institutions.
"Protecting the constitutional bodies is of particular importance in light of the current threat environment," Dobrindt wrote, pointing to a growing number of drone sightings in recent months that have heightened concerns among security authorities.
The correspondence was prompted by an enquiry from Klöckner in December, in which she asked whether the Federal Police's newly established counter-drone unit could be deployed to help protect parliament.
In his newest response, Dobrindt said the unit could provide temporary support under administrative assistance arrangements. However, responsibility for counter-drone operations around the Bundestag remains with Berlin's state police, he added.
