The German government announced on Wednesday its decision to authorize police to down drones deemed as threats. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions with Israel and Ukraine regarding defense strategies against drone activity over sensitive sites, which are suspected to be linked to Moscow.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt proposed legislative amendments to enhance police capabilities, now allowing them to “utilize the latest technologies to combat threats presented by drones.”
Following a cabinet meeting where the bill was presented, he stated: “The downing of drones will be subject to legal regulations and will become available to the federal police.”
Dobrindt also pointed to plans for the establishment of a “Drone Defense Center” aimed at coordinating actions between federal police forces and state authorities.
The minister mentioned collaboration with countries that have more experience in this realm, such as Israel, and Ukraine, which faces daily assaults from Russian forces targeting its cities and frontline areas.
He remarked: “We are in contact with countries that have more advanced expertise in this area. We are engaging in intense discussions with Israel, as well as with Ukraine.”
While no specific timeline was provided, Dobrindt indicated a substantial budget in the “three-digit millions,” meaning no less than 100 million euros, adding that the equipment will depend on the production capacity of relevant manufacturers.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Russia is “likely” behind the recent drone incidents in European airspace, particularly those that disrupted operations at Munich Airport over the past weekend, describing these drone flights as “attempts to destabilize the situation.