Picture courtesy of NBC News | Lisi Niesner / Reuters

 

Germany's cabinet has approved a groundbreaking law allowing police to shoot down drones, a response to the ongoing threat posed by unauthorised aircraft disrupting critical infrastructure. This legislation permits police intervention with rogue drones, including shooting them down, using lasers, or jamming signals when there's an imminent threat or severe risk. This move aligns Germany with other European nations empowering security forces to manage such airborne threats.

 

The decision follows last week's chaotic drone sightings at Munich Airport, causing flight diversions and cancellations affecting over 10,000 passengers. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz linked these incidents to potential Russian activities, marking them as reconnaissance rather than armed threats.

 

Since Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion, European leaders have perceived Moscow as a significant security risk, catalysing measures like the proposed "drone wall" by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

 

Germany's new law enhances the Federal Police's capacity to handle drone threats swiftly, amid rising concerns across Europe. The move has gained traction from previous incidents, with 172 drone-related air traffic disruptions recorded from January to September 2025, underscoring the mounting challenge.

 

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced plans for a dedicated counter-drone unit within the police, seeking guidance from Israel and Ukraine, noted for their advanced drone technology.

 

Concurrently, debates continue over the stability of shooting drones in crowded areas and the efficacy of airport detection systems. The law represents a balanced approach amidst Europe's growing demand for robust anti-drone measures, as neighbouring countries like the UK, France, Lithuania, and Romania adopt similar laws. The German military has demonstrated alternative strategies, such as netting drones during exercises in Hamburg, outlining diverse methods beyond shooting.

 

Looking ahead, this legislative change awaits parliamentary approval, symbolising Germany's strengthened stance against aerial threats. Collaborative research on drone technology and strategies could potentially enhance the country's capabilities, involving consultations with international experts. As drone technology and related threats advance, Europe is stepping up its defence mechanisms, fostering regional cooperation to confront these modern challenges.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Germany's cabinet has approved a law empowering police to shoot down drones.
• The measure follows disruptions at Munich Airport, attributed to potential Russian activities.
• A counter-drone unit will be established, consulting with advanced drone nations.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from NBC News 2025-10-09

 

 

I always was under the impression that the 3 best ways to stop drones were,

 

1  Signal Jamming and hopefully tracing the control signals back to the source,

 

2   Overflying the drone and dropping a weighted net over the rotors. That should work for rotor powered drones, but not I think for propeller or jet engined drones.