Germany considers granting military authority to shoot down threatening drones

The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) may soon be authorised to shoot down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that pose a threat to human life or critical infrastructure, according to German Ministry of the Interior.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is developing a confidential plan to enhance the country’s countermeasures against drones. Under the proposed measures, the Bundeswehr would be permitted to take lethal action against drones if it is the only way to prevent a serious disaster, Caliber.Az reports via German media. 

The criteria for shooting down a drone would require a reasonable assumption that the UAV is intended to be used against human lives or key infrastructure, such as energy facilities, government buildings, and airports.

In addition to allowing the military to engage threatening drones, the plan reportedly includes steps for the detection and classification of illegally launched UAVs, the deployment of electronic countermeasures, and interception of their control signals.

By Sabina Mammadli