Federal Military to Gain Expanded Powers for Drone Defense

In response to a surge in drone sightings across Europe, Germany's Federal Minister of the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt, is proposing an expansion of the Bundeswehr's authority regarding drone defense. This initiative aims to allow the military to engage uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) under specific conditions, as reported by a leading newspaper.

The proposed measures would enable the Bundeswehr to utilize lethal force against drones if they pose an immediate threat to human life or critical infrastructure, and if alternative defensive measures prove inadequate. In such scenarios, decision-making authority would transition to the Federal Ministry of Defense.

A spokesperson from the Federal Ministry of the Interior confirmed ongoing discussions about amendments to the Air Security Act, but did not disclose details on the negotiation status.

In addition to legal modifications, the plan reportedly encompasses technical and operational strategies, including the detection, classification, and electronic countermeasures against drones. This may involve employing jammers or systems capable of taking control of unmanned aircraft.

Recent incidents highlight the urgency of these measures. On September 25, a drone was sighted over Aalborg Airport in Denmark, and on September 24, multiple drones were detected over four Danish airports, with their origins remaining unclear. Additionally, drones were reported near Oslo Airport, resulting in the arrest of a suspect.

Furthermore, incidents involving Russian military aircraft breaching defense identification zones near Alaska have raised security concerns. In recent weeks, there have been multiple reports of Russian drones infiltrating airspace in Poland and Romania, prompting NATO to take action against some of these incursions.

The coalition government is also considering stricter penalties for unauthorized drone incursions at airports, aiming to enhance the operational capabilities of authorities and establish clear legal frameworks.

Recent drone overflights have caused significant disruptions, including the temporary closure of Copenhagen Airport due to multiple large drones flying for hours over the area. As tensions escalate, the need for robust security measures to address aerial threats has become increasingly apparent.