Herrmann at the Security and Innovation Forum at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg
At the Security and Innovation Forum at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) on Monday, Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann emphasised the central role of security architecture in a stable community. ‘Security is the foundation of our freedom and peace,’ said Herrmann, referring to the increasing importance of close cooperation between science, industry and the state. Only by working together can we succeed in developing new concepts and meeting the complex challenges of a changing world. He described FAU as a ‘reliable partner’ in the field of security research.
The forum serves as a platform for exchange on current requirements in the areas of national, internal and civil security, as well as on issues of critical infrastructure resilience. The aim of the event is to strengthen cooperation and provide innovative impetus for research and practice.
Police strength as the basis of security strategy
With regard to the security situation, Herrmann emphasised the principle of ‘security through strength’. Bavaria has the lowest crime rate and the highest clearance rate in Germany. With more than 45,700 positions, the Bavarian police force has reached a historic high this year. This staffing level is crucial for maintaining a comprehensive presence and effectively protecting citizens.
Global political developments – in particular Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine – reinforce the importance of robust internal security. In addition to the police, strong civil protection, effective civil defence and vigilant constitutional protection are also essential. According to Herrmann, extremist efforts are deliberately attempting to undermine trust in democratic institutions. Disinformation campaigns have long been an integral part of hybrid threats.
Cyber security as a location factor
The Minister of the Interior paid particular attention to digital security. Germany’s economic strength makes it an attractive target for cyber attacks. It is a matter of protecting innovation, jobs and competitiveness – and ultimately trust in the digital state.
Bavaria has therefore built up and continuously developed a comprehensive cyber security architecture in recent years. This also includes strengthening technological capabilities in the area of new forms of threats.
Focus on drone security
According to Herrmann, several drone sightings – most recently at Munich Airport, among other places – show that further technical and personnel reinforcements are necessary. The Bavarian Police’s Drone Competence and Defence Centre (DKAZ) in Erding, which is currently under construction, will be a specialised facility designed to combine state-of-the-art technology with operational expertise. The state is working closely with the German Armed Forces, security authorities and technology partners on this project.
At the same time, the legal basis for this is to be established: the planned ‘Law on Protection against Drone Flights in Bavaria’ and amendments to the Police Tasks Act are intended to expand the powers of the police. ‘We must be able to defend ourselves and protect the safety of the people in our country,’ emphasised the minister.
Comment on the event: Strong security course for the future
The remarks made by Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann at the Security and Innovation Forum at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg impressively underscore how important a decisive, expert and at the same time forward-looking approach is for the security of our state. Particularly noteworthy is Herrmann’s emphasis on the importance of close cooperation between science, industry and the state – an interplay that is indispensable in times of global uncertainty.
His clear focus on strength, presence and modern technology shows that Bavaria is not just reacting, but actively shaping the future. The continuous expansion of the police force, the further development of the cyber security architecture and the establishment of the drone competence and defence centre in Erding are strong signals that security policy here is not standing still, but is thinking boldly about the future.
The approach of combining security policy measures with innovative strength while focusing on the protection of democracy, the economy and the population is particularly positive. Herrmann’s statements make it clear that security is not seen as an end in itself, but as a basic prerequisite for freedom, social cohesion and economic stability.
Overall, the minister’s message is an encouraging sign that Bavaria is taking its responsibility seriously – well connected, technically savvy and determined to meet the new challenges of our time with modern security expertise.
