The increasing threat posed by drone activity is prompting calls for a reassessment of Germany’s established protocols regarding the Bundeswehr’s role within the country. Reinold Robbe, a defense expert within the Social Democratic Party (SPD), argues for a loosening of the strict regulations currently governing the military’s deployment on domestic soil.
Robbe, in comments to the Tagesspiegel newspaper, suggested that the long-held principle, delineating police responsibility for internal security and the Bundeswehr’s mandate for external defense, requires urgent revision in the face of evolving hybrid threats. He emphasized the need for a pragmatic response to persistent cyberattacks and drone incursions, one that prioritizes the actual defensive capabilities of security organs.
The former parliamentary commissioner for the military voiced concerns that some political actors are overlooking the reality of dealing with a state, under Putin’s leadership, that is no longer bound by predictable or rule-based conduct. He cited Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing conflict as stark demonstrations of this departure from international law and human rights standards. Germany, he argues, must rapidly adapt its legal frameworks and equip its security apparatus to address this escalating threat.
Robbe underscored the necessity for a broader societal discussion surrounding these critical security concerns. He believes that only when the public acknowledges the evolving challenges can the government effectively chart a responsible course of action. Specifically, he called for a swift resolution to the current confusion regarding responsibilities in countering unidentified drone activity. He criticized the lack of clarity regarding accountability and jurisdiction in drone defense operations, labeling the current situation as “irresponsible naivety” on the part of political leaders.
These demands emerge against a backdrop of caution regarding increased Bundeswehr involvement. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) recently cautioned against broad deployments of the military for domestic drone defense, reaffirming that drone incidents within Germany fall under police jurisdiction. While acknowledging the need for legal adjustments, she stressed the importance of maintaining the existing restrictions on military involvement within the country.