Safe drone use and protection against uncooperative systems
Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) – drones – open up a wide range of opportunities for business, science and public authorities. At the same time, the requirements for their safe operation are increasing, as is the need to protect airports, critical infrastructure and public facilities from their misuse. On 18 August 2026, the Federal Ministry of the Interior (Bundesministerium des Innern; BMI), the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt; BMFTR) and the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) opened the new Technology Center for Drone Security at DLR’s site in Cochstedt. The Technology Center is based primarily at the DLR sites in Cochstedt and Braunschweig, bringing together DLR’s expertise and research infrastructure, closely linking these to the practical requirements of security authorities and industry. Following the official opening ceremony, DLR and specialist police forces demonstrated the latest technologies and findings in the field of safe and secure drone operations to guests from the worlds of politics, business and research.
«Drones open up enormous opportunities, but they also pose a challenge. This is where the Technology Center for Drone Security at the DLR sites in Cochstedt and Braunschweig is set to play an active role, as a logical continuation of the successful cooperation between the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the federal and state police authorities and the Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt; BKA). We need the technical expertise of research, the innovative strength and implementation skills of industry and, above all, the perspective of those who are responsible for our security in real operational situations,» explains Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the DLR Executive Board. «Through technology transfer and the exchange of knowledge, new approaches from research can be rapidly and effectively translated into practical solutions. After all, we do not develop technology for its own sake – we solve specific problems and meet specific needs. Research must have an impact – particularly where the security of our country is at stake. The Technology Center for Drone Security is being established at two DLR sites, which we have upgraded over the past ten years for this type of use, with funding from the BMFTR and formerly the BMWE (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie; Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy). The state of Saxony-Anhalt is also a strong supporter of the Cochstedt site. Together, we share the vision of a technology hub. The result is unique facilities for testing and validating innovative drone safety and security solutions under realistic conditions.»
Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt: «With the Drone Safety and Security Technology Center at the German Aerospace Center, we are researching, developing and testing state-of-the-art counter-drone technology under real-world conditions. Here in Cochstedt, we are researching and testing new technologies directly at an airport – exactly where the threat situation is most sensitive. We are pooling the expertise of the scientific community, start-ups and our security authorities to protect our country even more effectively against hybrid threats.»
Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister of Research, Technology and Space: «DLR’s Cochstedt site is a flagship for drone research. The BMFTR already funds the existing National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Competence Center. With today’s opening of the Drone Safety and Security Technology Center, the BMFTR and BMI are working hand in hand. It is a powerful demonstration of how the Federal Ministry of the Interior can build on existing expertise to tackle the threat posed by drones head-on. New applications and technologies are being tested here – for business, for public authorities, and now increasingly for our security as well. We all need to pull together – the Federal Government alongside the states, the scientific community, business, security authorities and public administration – for Germany’s future: a future of freedom, security and prosperity.»
Above, drones during a demonstration flight in the drone cage / image credited to DLR
