The state of Hessen is investing a high single-digit million sum in setting up a drone competence center at Kassel Airport in Calden. According to the Hessen Digital Ministry, the funds come from the Distr@l program and the EU structural fund ERDF. The center is intended to bundle research, testing, qualification, and application of unmanned aerial systems at one location.
Strategic realignment of the loss-making airport
Kassel Airport has been in the red since 2013 – in 2024, the deficit was nearly five million euros. The largest shareholder is the state of Hessen with 68 percent. The supervisory board recently approved a strategic further development, which is now taking concrete shape with the drone center. “The drone competence center strengthens Hessen’s innovative power and our technological sovereignty,” said Digital Minister Kristina Sinemus (CDU).
Till Kaesbach (CDU), who is also Finance State Secretary, stated: “With the strategic further development of the airport, we are creating a permanently available infrastructure for modern drone and security technologies.” The Federal Police already use the airport for training in handling drones. Commercial air traffic is to continue in parallel.
Source: www.stern.de
