Germany has opened a new Joint Drone Defence Centre in Berlin, which becomes operational in January, brings together agencies to counter drone threats, with increasing sightings near airports, military sites and energy facilities.
The German government has proposed a reform of the Air Security Act to create a legal basis for military action against threatening drones in domestic airspace, with the draft allowing the Bundeswehr to use force or jamming technology against uncooperative drones deemed a danger to human life or critical infrastructure, and enables federal police to request limited technical support from the military.
Germany’s Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned of legal challenges to a bill expanding the Bundeswehr’s role in domestic drone defence after a surge in suspected Russian drone sightings. The plan would strengthen police capabilities and create a joint defence centre, but faces constitutional concerns over military involvement in internal security.
