Plans to involve the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) in countering drone threats are facing resistance from the Police Union (GdP). The proposal, put forward by Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, aims to authorize the Bundeswehr to potentially shoot down unmanned aerial objects under specific circumstances, requiring an amendment to the Air Security Act.
Andreas Roßkopf, Head of the GdP for the Federal Police, stated that the focus should instead be on fully equipping the Federal Police, alongside state police forces, with the necessary resources to handle drone incidents impacting critical infrastructure. He emphasized that any military involvement, if deemed necessary, should occur under the responsibility and coordination of the Federal Police through a system of mutual aid.
Roßkopf also criticized years of insufficient investment in modernizing and training police forces. He argued that the Bundeswehr’s role is more appropriately suited for assisting in events such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes, or transportation accidents – or during a state of domestic crisis. The union leader stressed that bolstering domestic security is primarily the responsibility of the police.