Düsseldorf and Cologne/Bonn airports have brought drone-detection systems into operation as Germany steps up defences around major airports against rising drone-related disruption. The Deutsche Flugsicherung system went live at the two North Rhine-Westphalia hubs on Friday, while a similar installation also began at Berlin Brandenburg Airport the same day.
The technology is designed to identify drones early in approach and departure areas so authorities can be alerted quickly to possible risks to air traffic. Technical details remain undisclosed for security reasons. DFS plans to equip further international commercial airports in stages over the course of the year.
The upgrade comes amid a broader increase in drone sightings near German airports, which has already caused operational interruptions in some cases. Berlin Brandenburg has been particularly affected, recording more drone sightings in the first half of the year than any other German airport, according to DFS figures.
At the NRW airports, the new systems add another layer of surveillance rather than direct counter-drone action. The aim is to improve situational awareness and speed up decisions when suspicious objects are detected near protected airspace.