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Germany Tightens Drone Defense: Police to Shoot Down Drones, Better Coordination Planned

Police can now shoot down drones in Germany. Better coordination among authorities aims to prevent future incidents, especially at airports.

In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text...
In the image there is a book with army tank and jeeps on it, it seems like a war along with a text above it.

Germany Tightens Drone Defense: Police to Shoot Down Drones, Better Coordination Planned

Germany is fortifying its drone defense measures. Responsibilities are shared among local and federal police, as well as the German Armed Forces, depending on the location. Recent incidents, including drone flyovers at Swiss airports, have underscored the need for better coordination.

Currently, drone defense at airports falls under the Federal Police, while state police handle incidents elsewhere. The German Armed Forces are responsible for military drones and their own premises. However, better coordination is needed, as suggested by Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' proposal for a joint 'situation picture'.

Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder has announced a law allowing local police to shoot down drones. This requires a two-thirds parliamentary majority, as the 'state of tension' is not clearly defined. Airport operators are also responsible for drone protection, but the state plays a crucial role. The German Armed Forces may intervene in drone cases only if they fly directly over military areas or in exceptional cases of 'particularly serious internal disaster'. The use of the Bundeswehr against drones is legally complex and may only be allowed in exceptional cases. The planned amendment from Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt is said to allow shooting down drones in such disasters.

Germany is bolstering its drone defense measures, with proposed laws allowing police to shoot down drones and better coordination among authorities. The use of the German Armed Forces remains limited to exceptional cases. The planned amendments aim to enhance security, particularly at airports, where drone flyovers have already occurred.

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