Germany's cabinet has approved new legislation allowing its military forces to shoot down suspicious drones flying over critical infrastructure and military installations, amid growing security concerns.
The proposed law comes in response to an increasing number of unauthorized drone sightings near sensitive locations across the country. Under current rules, the German military (Bundeswehr) can only assist police in forcing drones to land or change direction.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted that drone incidents have risen sharply since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "Drones as a tool for espionage and sabotage can pose a serious threat, especially to our critical infrastructure," Faeser stated.
Recent incidents include the sighting of approximately 10 unidentified drones over Manching Air Base in Bavaria, where the Eurofighter jet is developed. Suspicious drone activity has also been reported near Ramstein Air Base and facilities of major industrial companies like Rheinmetall and BASF.
The new legislation would permit soldiers to shoot down drones as a last resort if they determine there is an immediate threat to human lives or critical facilities. However, the bill still requires parliamentary approval and faces scrutiny due to Germany's constitutional restrictions on military operations within its borders.
German authorities suspect the surge in drone activity could be linked to Russian espionage efforts, though Moscow denies involvement in any sabotage attempts. The move reflects growing security concerns among Western nations about potential threats to critical infrastructure.
The timing of the bill's implementation remains uncertain, as Germany's upcoming federal election in February 2024 could potentially delay the approval process.