Germany Plans Military Authorization to Down Drones Over Domestic Airspace Amid Security Concerns

Germany is planning to revise its Aviation Security Act to allow the Bundeswehr, the German armed forces, to shoot down drones that pose a direct threat to human life or critical infrastructure, with such decisions transferred to the Ministry of Defense. This legislative change comes amid increased drone incursions and espionage concerns following multiple drone sightings over German and other European airspace, including near military and critical infrastructure sites in northern Germany and Denmark. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has proposed establishing a national drone defense center to coordinate resources from federal and state police, the federal criminal office, and the Bundeswehr, focusing on technologies like jamming, interception, and drone-on-drone countermeasures. The current legal framework restricts military involvement in routine domestic security tasks, but the proposed amendments would permit military assistance when police capacity is insufficient. These changes reflect heightened security concerns due to repeated drone violations linked to Russian provocations and aim to better protect critical infrastructure and public safety. The proposals are expected to be presented to the German parliament in the autumn for consideration.