Germany has taken decisive action to counter the growing menace of unauthorized drones disrupting its airspace.
In response to a series of incidents that have grounded flights and raised national security concerns, the German cabinet approved draft legislation on Wednesday authorizing police to shoot down such devices when they pose an immediate threat.
The measure, now pending parliamentary approval, aims to enhance the nation's ability to respond swiftly to these aerial intrusions.
Recent events have underscored the urgency of the situation.
Last Thursday, unidentified drones were spotted over Munich Airport, Germany's second-largest hub, leading to the cancellation of dozens of flights and stranding thousands of passengers.
Similar sightings have occurred over sensitive sites, including hospitals, canals, and armaments factories.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pointed to Russia as the likely culprit behind many of these operations, describing them as reconnaissance flights rather than armed attacks.
While the origins remain unconfirmed, European leaders increasingly view such activities as extensions of Moscow's aggressive posture following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The new law will equip federal police with expanded powers, including the use of firearms, lasers, or signal jamming to neutralize drones.
It delineates clear responsibilities: police will handle smaller, low-altitude devices, while the military addresses larger threats.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the formation of a dedicated counter-drone unit within the federal police, which will collaborate with Ukraine and Israel to draw on their expertise in drone countermeasures.
This initiative aligns Germany with nations like France, Britain, Romania, and Lithuania, which have already empowered security forces to intercept unlawful drones.
Broader European efforts, such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's proposal for a "drone wall" along the continent's eastern borders, reflect a unified push to safeguard critical infrastructure.
"Drone incidents threaten our safety," Chancellor Merz stated on social media.
"We will not allow that. We are strengthening the powers of the federal police so that drones can be detected and intercepted more quickly in future."
As the bill advances through parliament, it signals Germany's commitment to adapting its security framework to modern aerial challenges, ensuring safer skies for its citizens and economy.