German authorities will have the power to shoot down drones under new regulations designed to enhance safety following multiple sightings across Europe.
Unidentified drones have disrupted air traffic in recent weeks, with some spotted near hospitals, waterways, arms factories, and other critical sites in Germany.
Officials in Germany and other nations are grappling with how to handle these incidents, suspecting that the drones may be operated by Russian entities as part of broader regional tensions.
On Wednesday, the German cabinet approved a draft law permitting police to take action against drones presenting an immediate danger. The proposal now requires parliamentary consent.
In a statement, Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the need to reinforce security. “Drone incidents are a risk to public safety,” he said. “We will not tolerate this. Authorities will be better equipped to detect and neutralize such threats.”
The legislation was expedited after recent drone sightings, including one over Munich airport last Thursday that led to flight cancellations and passenger delays.
The source of the drones remains unclear, though officials stated they were unarmed and likely used for surveillance. Merz has suggested Russian involvement in these incidents.
If passed, the law would align Germany with nations like France, Britain, Romania, and Lithuania, where security forces are already permitted to remove unauthorized drones from airspace.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt revealed plans for a specialized anti-drone task force within federal law enforcement. The unit will collaborate with Ukraine and Israel, drawing on their expertise in countering drone threats.
Dobrindt clarified that the law will specify which agencies may act against different types of drones. Police will handle smaller, low-altitude drones, while the military will address larger, more advanced models.
According to the German Aviation Security organization, air traffic disruptions due to drones reached 172 this year by the end of September, up from 129 in the same period the previous year and 121 in 2023.
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