Putin signs law allowing customs to disable and destroy drones

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting customs authorities expanded powers to counter unmanned systems, including the ability to disable or destroy drones in certain situations.

The legislation, published on Russia’s official legal information portal, allows customs officers to intervene in the operation of drones in cases of an attack or a threat of an attack on customs facilities.

Under the new rules, customs personnel are authorised to suppress or modify remote control signals used to operate drones, interfere with their control devices, and, if necessary, damage or destroy the unmanned systems.

The law covers a broad range of automated platforms, including aerial, underwater, and surface drones, as well as other unmanned transport vehicles.

Specific procedures for decision-making and a list of authorised officials will be defined by the federal executive authority overseeing customs affairs.

The law is set to take effect 30 days after its official publication.

By Tamilla Hasanova