Germany to Allow Police to Shoot Down Rogue Drones

The German government has approved a new law granting federal police the authority to shoot down unauthorized drones, following a surge in drone-related disruptions at airports and growing security concerns across Europe.

The bill, endorsed by the cabinet on Wednesday and awaiting parliamentary approval, allows police to neutralize drones violating airspace through various means, including gunfire, lasers, or signal jamming, in cases posing a serious threat or risk of harm.

«Drone incidents threaten our security. We will not permit that,» Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on social media, noting the move strengthens police powers to detect and counter drones more effectively.

The decision follows an incident last week at Munich Airport, where rogue drone sightings forced dozens of flight cancellations and diversions, stranding over 10,000 passengers. Merz suggested that Russia may be behind some recent reconnaissance drone flights over Germany amid heightened tensions in Europe.

Under the new policy, Germany will also establish a dedicated counter-drone unit within the Federal Police. The Interior Ministry said it would cooperate with Israel and Ukraine to study advanced drone defense systems.

Germany joins Britain, France, Lithuania and Romania in authorising law enforcement to down drones amid fears of hybrid warfare and espionage.