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Germany Eyes Police-Led Drone Defense, With Bundeswehr Aid in Extreme Cases

Domestic military action remains restricted to emergencies under current law.

Overview

  • According to WELT, the cabinet is set to consider a revised Aviation Security Act with a new Section 15a allowing police to request Bundeswehr support against military‑type drones, including direct force in exceptional cases.
  • The Interior Ministry plans a national counter‑drone center for mid‑December to coordinate the Federal Police, the Federal Criminal Police Office and state forces.
  • A new Federal Police counter‑drone unit is due to start in early December with about 130 officers equipped with jammers, lasers and interceptor drones.
  • Authorities report a low four‑digit number of drone overflights near critical infrastructure tracked since January 2025, and air traffic control logged 144 drone‑related airport disruptions through August, with most near airports.
  • Separately, Bundestag Defence Committee chair Thomas Röwekamp argued the Bundeswehr should take responsibility for domestic drone defense and called for a nationwide drone picture and standardized protections for key ports.