Germany Opens Drone Defense Research Hub

The German Ministry of the Interior, the German Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and the DLR inaugurated the new center in the eastern German city of Cochstedt on August 18, 2026. Drone security research will be conducted under realistic conditions there and at the DLR facility in the northern city of Braunschweig.

The center aims to bring together researchers, security offices and private industry. Up to EUR 10 million will reportedly be invested in the project in coming years.

“Technology transfer and knowledge sharing allow new research-based approaches to be quickly and effectively translated into practical solutions,” said the center’s chairwoman, Prof. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, on the DLR homepage. “After all, we do not develop technology for its own sake. We solve specific problems and meet specific needs. Research has to have an impact, especially when it comes to the security of our country.”

Sources: DLR, AFP