Could Drone Sighting at Berlin Airport Spark Renewed Discussions on the 'Drone Wall' Initiative?
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Synopsis
Flight operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport were briefly suspended due to a drone sighting. This incident has reignited discussions on the EU's proposed 'drone wall' initiative. As drone incursions become more common in Europe, the call for effective countermeasures grows louder.
Key Takeaways
- Flight operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport were temporarily halted due to a drone sighting.
- Authorities confirmed the sighting but could not locate the drone.
- Discussions on the EU's 'drone wall' initiative are being reignited in light of recent incidents.
- Similar drone incursions have been reported across Europe, raising security concerns.
- Germany and France are cautious about EU military planning encroaching on national responsibilities.
Berlin, Nov 1 (NationPress) Flight operations at Berlin Brandenburg Airport were halted for approximately two hours on Friday evening due to reports of a drone sighting, but local media indicated that the airport has since returned to regular operations by Saturday.
A police spokesperson, as cited by the German Press Agency, stated that around 8 PM local time (1900 GMT), a witness observed a drone in proximity to the airport, leading to the closure of the northern runway. Officers in patrol vehicles later verified the sighting but were unable to locate the unmanned device.
This incident led to delays and diversions for flights, particularly suspending departures to Basel, Oslo, and Barcelona. A helicopter was deployed by the police during the operation, and Germany's Federal Aviation Office was also engaged, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Flights resumed on Saturday as scheduled and were unaffected by the previous incident.
Earlier in October, Munich Airport experienced multiple closures due to suspected drone incursions, impacting over 100 flights and nearly 10,000 passengers. Similar events have also been noted in Denmark, Norway, and Poland.
In October, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that the rising frequencies of drone incursions in Europe might be associated with espionage activities aimed at disrupting public order.
On October 16, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys emphasized that securing the European Union's (EU) borders and airspace is a mutual interest among all member states, as skepticism about the bloc's 'drone wall' initiative persists among some European nations.
Budrys made these comments following discussions with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze in Vilnius, according to the Baltic News Service (BNS).
The EU is working toward having a partially operational anti-drone defense system by the end of 2026, with full functionality expected in 2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's initial proposal for a 'drone wall' faced skepticism from countries like Germany, which are concerned about potential overreach into NATO's responsibilities.
Germany and France have expressed reservations about the EU taking a leading role in military planning, which they believe should remain within the purview of national governments.
Southern EU countries have also voiced the need for the drone initiative to encompass not just the EU's eastern nations.
Concerns regarding counter-drone measures have escalated following alleged violations of NATO member airspace by Russian aircraft in recent months, as noted by BNS.
Point of View
We must acknowledge the rising concerns regarding drone incursions in Europe. The recent incident at Berlin Brandenburg Airport exemplifies the urgent need for comprehensive counter-drone strategies. The discussions surrounding the 'drone wall' initiative highlight a critical moment for EU member states to collaborate effectively in safeguarding our airspace.
NationPress
01/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the temporary suspension of flights at Berlin Brandenburg Airport?
The suspension was caused by a reported drone sighting near the airport, which led to the closure of the northern runway for safety reasons.
How long were the flight operations suspended?
Flight operations were halted for approximately two hours.
What actions were taken by authorities during the drone sighting?
Authorities deployed police officers and a helicopter to investigate the sighting, but they were unable to locate the drone.
What is the 'drone wall' initiative?
The 'drone wall' initiative is a proposed EU system aimed at enhancing airspace security by implementing anti-drone defenses.
What are the broader implications of such drone sightings in Europe?
Frequent drone sightings raise concerns about airspace security and may be linked to espionage activities, prompting discussions on collective defense measures among EU member states.
