The German cabinet has approved draft legislation granting police the authority to shoot down drones that pose an immediate threat, following a series of drone sightings that disrupted air traffic across Europe. The law, which now requires parliamentary approval, aims to enhance safety after incidents including a sighting over Munich airport that led to dozens of flight cancellations.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on social media that the legislation is intended to bolster security, allowing federal police to detect and intercept drones more swiftly. The origin of the drones remains unidentified, though Merz has suggested Russian involvement, viewing them as part of a hybrid war on the continent.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the creation of a dedicated counter-drone unit within the federal police, which will consult with Ukraine and Israel due to their expertise with drone technology. The law clarifies that police will handle smaller drones at tree level, while the military will address larger, more powerful machines.
Germany recorded 172 drone-related interruptions to air traffic from January to September this year, up from 129 in the same period last year, according to the German Aviation Security organisation. The legislation aligns Germany with countries like France, Britain, Romania, and Lithuania, which have already expanded security forces' powers to counter unlawful drones.
