Germany might let its army shoot down drones—because the threat is now “very concrete”

German authorities are preparing legal changes that would allow its Armed Forces—the Bundeswehr—to shoot down drones in German airspace. Reuters reports that Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned on 27 September that the drone threat is currently “high”.

Drone threat prompts legal review

Speaking to journalists in Berlin, Dobrindt stated that although the danger might seem “abstract,” it becomes “very concrete in individual cases.”

His remarks come amid heightened security concerns in Europe after repeated drone incursions temporarily shut down air traffic in Denmark. German authorities are also investigating multiple drone sightings over their own territory.

Dobrindt emphasized that it is necessary to be prepared for scenarios involving critical infrastructure or large gatherings of people.

One of the key proposals is a revision to Germany’s aviation security law—the Aviation Security Act. The changes under consideration would authorize the German armed forces to engage drones, including shooting them down if needed.

Dobrindt emphasized that it is necessary to be prepared for scenarios involving critical infrastructure or large gatherings of people. Speaking to the Rheinische Post newspaper, Dobrindt said that he wanted to overhaul air security laws, so the military can help the police “especially in drone defense.”

“We are not only experiencing a turning point in military security, but also in civil defence and civil protection as a whole,” he said.