Germany: Army to Shoot Down Drones – Law Revision

The German government is revising its aviation security law, giving the army an official role in defending against drones. The armed forces will have the power to shoot down drones that violate German airspace.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced the creation of a national drone defense center, pooling resources from the federal police, state police, the federal criminal service, and the Bundeswehr. The center will also coordinate research projects and new technologies.

This move follows increasing concerns about "hybrid threats" and incidents of airspace violations by drones in Germany and neighboring countries such as Denmark. Dobrindt described these intrusions as part of a "continuous hybrid threat."

The new legislation is expected to be presented to parliament this fall.