DFS puts drone detection system into operation at BER Airport

German air traffic control (DFS) is putting a drone detection system into operation at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). This was announced by the Federal Ministry of Transport. This would allow drones to be detected early in the approach and departure areas and the responsible authorities to be informed about possible threats to air traffic. “In view of the current situation, we are acting consistently,” said Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU). Using such systems is an important step for the safety of air traffic.

Brandenburg's Transport Minister Robert Crumbach (SPD) said drone events could have different causes. From individual sightings or the sheer number of registered drone events, no reliable conclusions about the background and a specific threat situation could be derived. “That’s why it’s important to get reliable information as early as possible,” Crumbach continued. “The new drone detection system supports this.”

Drone sightings are increasing

According to the information, the background to the commissioning of the system is repeated drone sightings in the vicinity of German airports. The Federal Ministry of Transport is relying on the further expansion of such systems: “Over the course of the year, additional international airports will gradually be equipped with appropriate systems for the arrival and departure areas,” it said.

In the first half of 2026 alone, more drones were spotted at BER Airport than at any other German airport. According to DFS, the tower in Schönefeld registered 28 such flying objects in the six months. That was one more sighting than in the same period at Germany's largest airport in Frankfurt am Main. As a result, air traffic at BER had to be temporarily interrupted in seven cases.