Germany to Allow Police to Shoot Down Drones Under New Law

Germany’s cabinet has passed a bill that will grant police the authority to shoot down drones violating Germany’s airspace when they pose a serious threat or risk of harm. The proposal, now awaiting parliamentary approval, aims to strengthen national airspace security amid rising incidents of unauthorized drone activity.

Under the new measures, police would be able to use weapons including firearms, lasers, or signal jamming to neutralize drones in situations of acute danger. A dedicated counter-drone unit is also to be established within the federal police to improve coordination and response times.

The law follows several recent high-profile disruptions, including a drone sighting over Munich Airport that led to mass flight cancellations and stranded thousands of passengers. Authorities suspect that many rogue drone incursions may be linked to hybrid warfare operations, although so far none have been found to carry weapons.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that these threats require tougher responses. Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that security forces must act quickly to detect and deal with drone breaches, adding that Germany would not allow its airspace to be compromised.

Once approved, the law will update Germany’s Aviation Security Act and clarify which powers belong to police and when military support may be required. One key challenge will be ensuring public safety, especially in densely populated areas, when deciding how and when to forcibly bring down drones.