The German Federal Ministry of the Interior, under the leadership of CSU politician Alexander Dobrindt, is proposing a significant shift in national security protocols, potentially granting the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) the authority to intervene against military drones posing a perceived threat. A draft amendment to the Air Safety Act, slated for deliberation by the Federal Cabinet on Wednesday and reported by “Welt” outlines the controversial new measures.
The core of the proposed legislation centers around a new Article 15a, focused on “hazard prevention against unmanned aerial vehicles”. Under the plan, law enforcement agencies would be permitted to formally request Bundeswehr assistance in situations where military drones are identified and a substantial risk of damage is assessed. In extreme circumstances, this assistance could, crucially, extend to the deployment of “direct use of armed force”. An internal legal assessment within the Interior Ministry suggests such action wouldn’t necessitate a change to Germany’s Basic Law, a factor likely to raise concerns regarding potential overreach of executive power.
The successful implementation of this policy hinges on seamless operational coordination. A newly planned drone defense center, scheduled to become operational in mid-December, is envisioned as a central hub for information consolidation and rapid decision-making, mirroring the structure of the existing Joint Counter-Terrorism Center. Details regarding operational procedures and jurisdictional responsibilities are to be finalized at a forthcoming Interior Ministers’ Conference in Bremen early next month.
While local police forces will continue to address incidents involving drones at lower altitudes, a specialized drone defense unit within the Federal Police, comprising approximately 130 new personnel, is scheduled to begin operations next month. This unit will be strategically deployed at key locations, particularly major airports and other sites deemed critical to national security.
The proposal has already drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates, who warn of a potential normalization of military intervention in civilian airspace and a blurring of the lines between law enforcement and armed conflict. Questions surrounding accountability and oversight in determining when such measures can be authorized are expected to be intensely debated as lawmakers scrutinize the draft legislation, raising fundamental questions about the evolving landscape of national security in Germany.
