Bundespolizei Deploys Autonomous Net-Catching Drone to Secure German Airports

The Bundespolizei has introduced the A1-Falke, an autonomous net-catching drone, to combat the growing threat of unauthorized drones near German airports and other critical infrastructure. Developed by the German startup Argus Interception, the A1-Falke autonomously identifies and intercepts hostile drones by deploying a net, safely capturing them without collateral damage. This innovation allows authorities to analyze captured drones for intelligence on their origins and operators.

In 2025, over 1,000 suspicious drone flights were recorded over critical infrastructures in Germany, with airports experiencing 144 such incidents from January to August alone — a 30% increase compared to the previous year. This rising trend highlighted the urgent need for effective countermeasures, prompting the introduction of the A1-Falke system.

Sven Steingräber, CEO of Argus Interception, emphasized the importance of this "Made in Germany" solution for enhancing national security, stating it strengthens the protection of German airspace against such disruptions. The implementation of this technology represents a significant step in safeguarding airports, power plants, military sites, and other vulnerable locations from unauthorized drone activity.