Following the drone incident at Leipzig Airport, Marc Henrichmann, the chairman of the Parliamentary Control Committee (CDU), has advocated for strengthening operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS). Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, he stressed the need for a nationwide drone defense concept designed to empower security authorities to detect drones early. Henrichmann argued that where legally permissible and necessary, drones should be allowed to be repelled, potentially even by KRITIS facility operators. Furthermore, he called for measures to reduce opportunities for obvious surveillance, noting that if important or militarily relevant aircraft at airports can be unimpeded and spied upon from off-site, action is required.
Henrichmann described the incident at the Leipzig/Halle cargo airport as a serious security breach that must be thoroughly investigated by relevant authorities. He stated that, based on initial information, the drone was reportedly found carrying an explosive device near a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft. If these findings are confirmed, he believes evidence points towards a targeted attack against a company of significance to Ukraine. Henrichmann concluded that while the event follows the established pattern of hybrid attacks, it represents a new level of escalation.
