Germany Moves to Authorize Military to Shoot Down Drones Threatening Critical Infrastructure
The German government has proposed a new policy allowing the military to shoot down drones deemed a threat to critical infrastructure or public safety.
The policy follows a series of drone sightings over sensitive locations, including the Manching air base in Bavaria, which houses a military aerodrome and is involved in Eurofighter jet development.
Up to 10 drones were reportedly spotted at the base in recent weeks, and additional sightings have been reported near Neuburg an der Donau, the U.S. airbase at Ramstein, and an industrial zone near the North Sea. Investigators have not ruled out espionage as a motive, with authorities suggesting potential connections to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Under current rules, the German military can assist police in redirecting or landing drones and firing warning shots if necessary. The proposed changes would allow the armed forces to shoot down drones if they pose a direct threat to people or critical infrastructure, and if no other means can neutralize the danger.
The policy still requires parliamentary approval before implementation. The defense and interior ministries stressed that the measure would be used as a last resort to ensure public safety and maintain operational security at key facilities.
The policy proposal comes amid growing concerns about recent cyberattacks, espionage, and sabotage activities being linked to Russia.
Western officials have accused Moscow of orchestrating campaigns targeting critical infrastructure across Europe, including railways, warehouses, and communication networks.
In November, Polish prosecutors linked a series of parcel fires in Germany, Poland, and the U.K. to dry runs for sabotage aimed at flights to the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, drones have been spotted in sensitive locations across NATO member states, including the Baltic Sea, where undersea cables and pipelines were damaged last year.
Russia has repeatedly denied involvement in acts of sabotage or espionage.
