Berlin (dpa -AfX) – Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) calls for prolongs to prudence after the repeated viewing of drones over German airports. He understands the uncertainty that such a debate has not yet existed, Pistorius told the Handelsblatt. “That is why it is all the more important to look at the situation soberly and calmly: So far, the observed drones have not assumed a specific threat.”
According to “Handelsblatt”, the interview was run before drones were spotted at Munich Airport on Thursday and Friday evening. Flight operations were temporarily stopped on both days. So far, it is unclear who is responsible for the drone flights.
From Pistorius’s point of view, Russia basically aims to stir up uncertainty with airspace injuries and drone overfirts. “It is about provoking, making fear, triggering controversial debates. (Kremlin chief Vladimir) Putin knows Germany very, very well, as we all know. He also knows the German instincts and reflexes.”
Minister sees plans for drone defense center skeptical
Pistorius emphasized that Germany raised tremendously in drone defense. At the same time, however, he dampened the expectations of the Bundeswehr. “The Bundeswehr cannot be on the spot in Germany where drones appear and get it from the sky,” he said. “It is much more important that the police of the federal states and the federal government build up the skills they need to be able to act up to a certain amount.”
Pistorius sees the plans of Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) for a drone defense center. “This center would only be responsible for a potential threat from drones. However, we have to expect that there could be multiple risk scenarios,” said the Minister of Defense. “Therefore, we primarily need a common 24/7-360-degree laying picture.”
As an example, he cited the case that forest fires or power outages occur at various points in Germany. “All relevant data on the classification of the security situation in Germany should come together at one point. This is the only way to recognize whether there may be a connection and a common cause in the apparent solitary events,” said Pistorius./Wn/dp/he