Germany Grants Police Power to Shoot Down Drones

Germany has introduced a bill empowering federal police to shoot down or jam drones that endanger public safety or critical infrastructure. The move comes after a surge of disruptive incidents, including multiple drone sightings that shut down Munich Airport. The legislation, now headed to parliament, marks a major shift in Germany’s domestic security framework.

Why Germany Is Acting

Following severe disruptions at Munich Airport, where unauthorised drones grounded flights and affected over 10,000 passengers, the cabinet approved a law letting police neutralise drones posing imminent threats, addressing gaps that previously prevented rapid response to such incursions.

Powers And Tactics Under The Bill

The bill empowers police to shoot down or disable drones posing “acute danger” to people, air safety, or key infrastructure, using tools like lasers, jammers, and EMP devices. A new counter-drone unit will handle low-altitude threats, while the military tackles higher or cross-border incursions.

Political And Security Context

Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the bill vital for “protecting citizens and infrastructure from new airborne risks,” while the Interior Ministry said it complements NATO and EU security efforts amid rising drone incursions linked to hybrid warfare. Germany joins Lithuania, Romania, and France in tightening counter-drone laws after similar incidents.

Rising Threat And European Response

Germany’s air navigation authority recorded 172 drone-related air traffic disruptions between January and September 2025 — a 33% rise from last year — driven by hobbyist misuse and suspected foreign surveillance. Similar incidents in Denmark, Belgium, and Poland have revived calls for a Europe-wide “drone wall,” though experts warn that urban shootdowns risk collateral damage and detection gaps still hamper quick response.