Amended Air Security Law and Drone Countermeasures
BERLIN, Feb 26 (Reuters) – Germany’s parliament on Thursday voted to give the armed forces broader powers to intercept or shoot down drones, responding to a surge in sightings since Russia began its war against Ukraine.
Political Backing in the Bundestag
The Bundestag approved an amendment to the air security law from the Interior Ministry, with support from the governing conservatives and Social Democrats, together with the far-right AfD opposition, aiming to speed up and simplify drone defence.
Spike in Drone Incidents and Suspected Origins
Since the Russian invasion, the number of drone incidents over Germany has risen, with pilots often untraceable. Experts suspect Russia is behind many of the flights.
Bundeswehr Powers to Jam or Shoot Down Drones
Under the amended law, the Bundeswehr can take direct action against drones when civilian authorities request help, including using jamming devices or weapons.
Previously, military intervention was tightly restricted.
Faster Responses via Defense Ministry Orders
The defence ministry can also order operations independently, allowing faster responses to acute threats, according to details outlined in the legislation.
Roles of Federal and State Police
Police in Germany’s federal states are responsible for combating drones, but often lack the necessary equipment.
New Drone Defense Centre in Berlin
Federal police powers have recently been expanded, and a new drone defence centre has opened in Berlin to support these efforts.
Tougher Penalties Near Airports
The legislation also imposes stricter penalties for flying drones into airport airspace, targeting protest actions by climate activists that have repeatedly disrupted flights.
Criminal Charges Up to Two Years
Such offences will now be prosecuted as crimes, carrying prison terms of up to two years, instead of fines.
Reporting and Writing Credits
(Reporting by Markus Wacket, writing by Kirsti Knolle)