Berlin, Germany – The German government has approved a proposal to allow the military to shoot down suspicious drones that pose a threat to national security. The new law, which will be sent to the Bundestag for a vote, aims to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure.
According to Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, the rise of drone use, particularly in the wake of the Ukraine war, has created a growing challenge for law enforcement agencies. Faeser stated that the military should be allowed to intervene in cases of severe threats, including the destruction of illegal drones, to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure.
The current law only permits the military to support the police in drone-related incidents, but not to use force against unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposed change would allow the military to use “force against unmanned aerial vehicles” in cases where the police are unable to respond effectively.
The government’s spokesman emphasized that the permission to shoot down drones would only be granted in situations where human lives are not at risk, such as in cases of falling debris. The military would only be authorized to act in areas where a “special protection need” is identified.
The rapid technological development of drones has created new challenges for security agencies, with some models featuring advanced flight capabilities that outstrip the capabilities of standard drones. The fate of the proposal, which requires the support of opposition parties, remains uncertain ahead of the February Bundestag elections.