Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced on Saturday a sweeping proposal to overhaul the country’s Aviation Security Act. The reforms would give the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) a formal role in countering hostile drones, including the authority to shoot down threatening aircraft.
The proposal comes amid a sharp rise in drone intrusions over Germany and neighboring countries, sparking concerns about national security, espionage, and public safety.
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Growing Concerns Over Drone Threats
Dobrindt described drones as a “constant hybrid threat”, ranging from small commercial quadcopters to larger unmanned systems capable of disrupting air traffic and gathering intelligence.
“We are experiencing an arms race between drone threats and drone defenses. This is a race we cannot afford to lose,” Dobrindt said in Berlin.
The urgency follows recent incidents, including the temporary closure of Copenhagen’s main airport earlier this week when large drones entered restricted airspace.
Key Elements of the Proposal
The proposed aviation security overhaul is built on two major pillars:
1. Establishment of a National Drone Defense Center
- A centralized hub pooling resources from the Federal Police, State Police, Federal Criminal Office, and the Bundeswehr
- Coordination of research and funding for drone-jamming systems, detection technologies, and drone-on-drone countermeasures
2. Amendment of the Aviation Security Act
- The law, originally passed in 2005, will be revised to grant the Bundeswehr authority to support civil officials when police resources are insufficient
- This includes the potential use of force, such as shooting down drones deemed a threat
Legal and Constitutional Challenges
Germany’s constitution traditionally restricts the military from domestic security operations, limiting its involvement to cases like disaster relief upon official request. Critics argue that granting the Bundeswehr expanded powers could raise constitutional concerns.
However, Dobrindt defended the move, insisting the reforms are necessary to counter the rising drone threat and protect critical infrastructure.
What Happens Next
The proposed amendments to the Aviation Security Act are expected to be presented to Parliament in Autumn 2025. If approved, the law will significantly strengthen Germany’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize drones.
Conclusion
As drones continue to evolve from commercial tools into potential security risks, Germany is preparing for a future where defending against unmanned aerial threats becomes a national priority. The upcoming parliamentary debate will determine whether the Bundeswehr takes on this new domestic role in aviation security.
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