Germany Plans to Permit Military to Shoot Down Unlawful Drones Due to Security Worries
The cabinet intends to authorize military forces to combat illegal drone activity near essential infrastructure due to escalating security threats.
Germany's government is set to approve a contentious amendment that empowers the armed forces to shoot down unauthorized drones, addressing rising security concerns over illegal drone activity near vital infrastructure.
The proposal, to be examined by the cabinet on Wednesday, emerges as Germany encounters increased risks of hybrid attacks, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia. The planned amendment to the Aviation Security Act would enable local authorities to seek military help when illegal drones fly over sensitive areas.
According to the draft amendment, the military could resort to force if there is an imminent risk of a severe incident. Germany's focus on potential hybrid warfare has intensified following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Drones, capable of espionage, surveillance, and even sabotage, pose significant concerns, especially in regions with critical assets like military bases, energy facilities, and government buildings.
This week, police initiated investigations into suspected Russian espionage after drones were spotted over military sites in Bavaria. The Aviation Security Act amendment, aimed at bolstering the country's ability to safeguard critical infrastructure from the rising threat of drone surveillance or attacks, still needs approval from the Bundestag, Germany's lower parliament house, to become law.
With federal elections slated for February 23, the government is pressed to secure legislative approval within a tight timeframe, though securing the necessary parliamentary majority remains uncertain. The proposed law mirrors broader European security worries, with several nations seeking to fortify defenses against drone threats.
While drones are frequently used for recreational and commercial purposes, their potential misuse in conflict zones or covert operations has led to increasing restrictions on their usage. For Germany, authorizing the military to down drones marks a significant shift in defense policy, highlighting the pressing need for robust national security measures amid evolving threats.
As global tensions heighten, this measure also signifies a wider European trend towards increased preparedness for hybrid warfare, where unconventional threats like drones are becoming more prevalent.
The proposal, to be examined by the cabinet on Wednesday, emerges as Germany encounters increased risks of hybrid attacks, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with Russia. The planned amendment to the Aviation Security Act would enable local authorities to seek military help when illegal drones fly over sensitive areas.
According to the draft amendment, the military could resort to force if there is an imminent risk of a severe incident. Germany's focus on potential hybrid warfare has intensified following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Drones, capable of espionage, surveillance, and even sabotage, pose significant concerns, especially in regions with critical assets like military bases, energy facilities, and government buildings.
This week, police initiated investigations into suspected Russian espionage after drones were spotted over military sites in Bavaria. The Aviation Security Act amendment, aimed at bolstering the country's ability to safeguard critical infrastructure from the rising threat of drone surveillance or attacks, still needs approval from the Bundestag, Germany's lower parliament house, to become law.
With federal elections slated for February 23, the government is pressed to secure legislative approval within a tight timeframe, though securing the necessary parliamentary majority remains uncertain. The proposed law mirrors broader European security worries, with several nations seeking to fortify defenses against drone threats.
While drones are frequently used for recreational and commercial purposes, their potential misuse in conflict zones or covert operations has led to increasing restrictions on their usage. For Germany, authorizing the military to down drones marks a significant shift in defense policy, highlighting the pressing need for robust national security measures amid evolving threats.
As global tensions heighten, this measure also signifies a wider European trend towards increased preparedness for hybrid warfare, where unconventional threats like drones are becoming more prevalent.
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