U.S. Air Force and Polizei Strengthen Ties in Joint Drone Exercise Published July 30, 2025 52nd Fighter Wing SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Members of the 52nd Security Forces Squadron as well as Bitburg and Wittlich Polizei conducted their second Joint Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Exercise this week, further reinforcing the strong cooperation between U.S. and German law enforcement teams. U.S Air Force Capt. Juliane Breault, 52nd Security Forces Squadron operations officer, reviews drone updates with Wittlich and Bitburg Polizei members during a joint unmanned aircraft systems response exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 29, 2025. The exercise strengthened cooperation between U.S. and German law enforcement, enhancing joint response capabilities against unauthorized drone activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria Umanzor Guzman) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The exercise took place at dusk to simulate low-light conditions and featured coordinated responses to drone activity, including a simulated security breach on the base as well as follow-up actions according to internal military procedures. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nathan Sands, 52nd Security Forces Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of counter unmanned aircraft systems, prepares a drone during a joint UAS response exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 29, 2025. This joint exercise enhanced coordination between the U.S. Air Force and local law enforcement agencies, strengthening regional security through advanced drone detection capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria Umanzor Guzman) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res “This type of training is critical not only for sharpening our response tactics, but for continuing the strong partnership we’ve built with our Polizei counterparts,” said Capt. Juliane Breault, 52nd SFS operations officer. “In today’s evolving threat landscape, our cooperation is essential to the safety and readiness of both our forces and our communities.” A drone flies during a joint unmanned aircraft systems response exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 29, 2025. This joint exercise enhanced coordination between the U.S. Air Force and local law enforcement agencies, strengthening regional security through advanced drone detection capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria Umanzor Guzman) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The joint use of two drones allowed both agencies to rehearse detection, communication and response protocols in real time, improving interoperability and mutual understanding. Christopher Jutz, left, Polizeikommissar with the Bitburg Polizei Station, sets up a drone during a joint unmanned aircraft systems response exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 29, 2025. The exercise tested joint response capabilities and streamlined communications between U.S. Air Force and local law enforcement agencies against unauthorized drone activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria Umanzor Guzman) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Police Commissioner Katrin Kretz, Head of the Bitburg Police Department, added, "Participating in these joint exercises ensures that we are prepared for a variety of situations. The trust and communication between our teams are excellent – and that’s exactly what makes this partnership so effective." Christopher Jutz, left, Polizeikommissar with the Bitburg Polizei Station, demonstrates drone updates to Stefan Herres, middle, Speicher district police officer, and Sven Lehrke, right, Wittlich Police Station deputy head, during a joint unmanned aircraft systems response exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 29, 2025. The exercise strengthened cooperation between U.S. and German law enforcement, enhancing joint response capabilities against unauthorized drone activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Maria Umanzor Guzman) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The recurring joint exercises reflect a shared commitment to public safety, rapid response and mutual support between local German authorities and U.S. military forces in the region. For additional information, please contact the 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office at 52FW.PA.Office@us.af.mil or by calling DSN: (314) 452-6555 or commercially: +49-6565-61-6555. -30- (Deutsch): U.S. Air Force und Polizei stärken Zusammenarbeit bei gemeinsamer Drohnenübung SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Deutschland – Militärangehörige der 52nd Security Forces Squadron sowie die Polizei aus Bitburg und Wittlich führten in dieser Woche ihre zweite gemeinsame Übung mit unbemannten Luftfahrtsystemen (UAS) durch und festigten damit erneut die enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen US-amerikanischen und deutschen Strafverfolgungsbehörden. Die Übung fand in der Dämmerung statt, um Bedingungen bei schwachem Licht zu simulieren, und umfasste koordinierte Reaktionen auf Drohnenaktivitäten, einschließlich eines simulierten Sicherheitsverstoßes auf dem Stützpunkt sowie Folgemaßnahmen nach internen militärischen Ablaufprozessen. „Diese Art von Training ist entscheidend – nicht nur, um unsere Reaktionstaktiken zu verbessern, sondern auch, um die starke Partnerschaft mit unseren Kollegen von der Polizei weiter auszubauen“, sagte Hauptmann Juliane Breault, Einsatzleiterin der 52 SFS. „In einer sich ständig wandelnden Bedrohungslage ist unsere Zusammenarbeit essenziell für die Sicherheit und Einsatzbereitschaft unserer Kräfte und unserer Gemeinschaften.“ Der gemeinsame Einsatz von zwei Drohnen ermöglichte es beiden Behörden, in Echtzeit das Erkennen, Kommunizieren und Reagieren zu üben, wodurch die Interoperabilität und das gegenseitige Verständnis gestärkt wurden. Polizeirätin Katrin Kretz, Leiterin der Polizeiinspektion Bitburg, ergänzte: „Die gemeinsame Teilnahme an diesen Übungen stellt sicher, dass wir auf auf unterschiedliche Situationen vorbereitet sind.. Das Vertrauen und die Kommunikation zwischen unseren Teams sind hervorragend – und genau das macht diese Partnerschaft so effektiv.“ Die regelmäßig stattfindenden gemeinsamen Übungen spiegeln das gemeinsame Engagement für öffentliche Sicherheit, schnelle Einsatzfähigkeit und gegenseitige Unterstützung zwischen den örtlichen deutschen Behörden und den US-Streitkräften in der Region wider. Für weitere Informationen wenden Sie sich bitte an das Büro für Öffentlichkeitsarbeit des 52. Jagdgeschwaders unter 52FW.PA.Office@us.af.mil oder telefonisch unter +49-6565-61-6555. -30-