Media Reaction: Analysis of Attacks on Substations

How can critical infrastructure be better protected? This was the question posed by numerous media outlets following the acts of sabotage against the energy supply in Brandenburg and North Rhine-Westphalia in early September. Over 100 media outlets drew on the expertise of Michèle Knodt, Director of the Hessian Drone Competence Centre (HDCC).

Better sensor technology is needed to detect drones at an early stage, said the professor of political science in an interview with HR’s „hessenschau“ programme on 2 September. She also pointed out that the time window between detection and defence is very narrow. She referred to drones capable of flying at speeds of up to 700 kilometres per hour. „We need to make better use of this time window than we do at present in order to mount a defence.“ There is no time for lengthy consultations. “We need to establish clear rules: who should make the decision? This is my plea: operators of critical infrastructure must be given the authority to detect and defend against threats themselves.”

In an interview with Deutschlandfunk on the programme „Forschung Aktuell“ on 3 September, Michèle Knodt explained: „There will never be 100 per cent protection, and we must be aware of that.“ She went on to say: „We must realise that, above all, we need to make our electricity system resilient. So that, if something does happen, it can be restored to full working order as quickly as possible – in other words, brought back online and supplying our electricity again.“

To restore their ability to operate, she outlined three points: rapidly deployable response teams, stockpiling of spare parts and components, and harmonisation so that operators can assist one another.

Over 100 media reports in print, on the radio and on television

In addition, on 3 September, the Science Media Centre Germany interviewed researchers to ask for their views on the attacks. The political scientist said: „We welcome the approach whereby operators of critical infrastructure are permitted, where sensible and practically feasible, to detect and repel drones on their own premises. This would be made possible by what is known as “delegation of authority’. Under this arrangement, the state transfers powers relating to drone defence to private actors, whilst retaining oversight. For network operators, however, this is by no means a realistic option across the board.”

This and other statements made by the expert were picked up by over 100 other media outlets, including the *Frankfurter Rundschau*, *Welt online*, *Wirtschaftswoche*, *Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland* and regional daily newspapers such as the *HNA*, *Freie Presse* and *Nürnberger Nachrichten*.

A selection of media reports

HR hessenschau: „Critical infrastructure in the crosshairs“ (2 September 2026)

Wirtschaftswoche: „Rise in sabotage fuels debate on better protection“ (3 September 2026)

Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland: „Following attacks on substations: Why higher fences are not the solution“ (3 September 2026)

Science Media Centre: „Attacks on substations: How can the resilience of the electricity supply be improved?“ (3 September 2026)

Deutschlandfunk Forschung aktuell: „Substations: How can critical infrastructure be protected?“ (3 September 2026)