The Bundestag has adopted amendments to the Air Traffic Safety Act, significantly expanding the Bundeswehr’s powers to counter unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the new law, military personnel can now officially use weapons to intercept and destroy drones if:
a request for administrative assistance is received from state or federal police,
there is a direct threat of a particularly serious accident,
or the danger cannot be prevented by other means, including electronic warfare.
The law was passed amid increasing incidents involving drones over airports, critical infrastructure, and military installations. Previously, the Bundeswehr could only force drones to land, fire warning shots, or use signal jamming.
“We can no longer remain defenseless against hybrid threats. This law provides a clear legal instrument to protect human lives and critical infrastructure,” a representative of the CDU/CSU faction commented on the decision.
At the same time, criminal penalties for the illegal use of drones near airports and critical infrastructure have been tightened, with sentences of up to five years in prison in severe cases.
The law will enter into force after being signed by the federal president.