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Cochstedt: City relies on drone defense – security for everyone!
In Saxony-Anhalt, research is being carried out in Cochstedt on innovative drone defenses in order to efficiently detect and combat security threats.
Cochstedt: City relies on drone defense – security for everyone!
In the heart of the Salzland district in Saxony-Anhalt, more precisely in the National Drone Center in Cochstedt, intensive research is being carried out into drone defense technologies. At a time when drones are increasingly becoming a risk at major events or near critical infrastructure, this research is more important than ever. The security situation in Europe is deteriorating, particularly due to sightings over airports and military bases. This development makes the ambitious projects in Cochstedt all the more useful. The MDR reports that the researchers' goal is to locate enemy drones at an early stage, track them and, if necessary, render them harmless.
Twelve institutes of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) are involved in the “Custodian” project, which pursues an innovative approach to drone defense. Daniel Süllberg, the site manager, presented some of the technologies developed. These include, among other things, an optical surveillance and radar system that can mark drones using lasers, as well as systems with infrared and thermal imaging cameras that will be used to track fast flying objects. The equipment also includes a hunter drone for targeted tracking and crashing of enemy drones. This is all done with the safety of the environment in mind, which is always our top priority.
Innovative methods of defense
In Cochstedt, such a defense is organized in three steps. First, the drone or a swarm of drones is detected. A situation center then assesses the situation in order to decide on and implement suitable countermeasures. The technologies used also include jamming signals that can block enemy drones from continuing their flight. Another option is interceptor drones that intercept enemy drones directly, which was promising in the first tests.
The Radio SAW emphasizes that the situation in Europe in particular contributes to the urgency of this research. Witness reports of unauthorized drone flights, such as the recent one in Denmark, reflect a tense security situation. The tests in Cochstedt are therefore not only locally important, but could also make a valuable contribution to the safety of European airspace.
Ideal for testing: Cochstedt
Cochstedt is considered an ideal test location. The former airport offers the necessary conditions for comprehensive series of tests, even if these sometimes fail. The security precautions at the site are guaranteed and so far there have been no espionage attempts or incidents. The National Drone Center has existed since 2021 and is not only planning security-related projects. Civil drone projects, such as use for medical transport or parcel deliveries, are also on the agenda.
Overall, it shows that research in Cochstedt not only develops innovative solutions to defend against drones, but also represents an important step towards a safer future. The researchers' commitment could therefore be of great importance not only for Germany, but for the whole of Europe.