Government Urges Easier Aerial Vehicle Takedowns Reiterated
German Government Calls for Amendments to Air Traffic Safety Act for Drone Defense
Political figures from Germany's Union and SPD parties have advocated for amendments to the Air Traffic Safety Act, aiming to grant the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) the legal authority to shoot down or disable suspicious drones over Germany.
Roderich Kiesewetter, a CDU foreign policy expert, emphasized the necessity of this change, stating, "In principle, we need the legal authority for the Armed Forces, as well as the security authorities, to shoot down or disable drones." SPD parliamentary business manager Dirk Wiese concurred, adding that a legal solution providing maximum security is already being pursued.
In January, the red-green minority government presented a draft amendment to create a legal basis for shooting down drones in emergency situations. However, the proposal did not progress due to the new elections and the change of government. The draft had also outlined allowing armed forces to use force as a last resort in collaboration with the federal police.
Kiesewetter suggested the previous proposals were not effective enough, stating that none of the past drone incidents would have been prevented. Instead, he proposed considering the general adjustment of the Bundeswehr's powers or invoking a state of tension according to the Basic Law, to ensure an efficient defense against drones, prevention of spy flights, and consistent shoot-downs.
While incidents of unidentified drones flying near critical military assets have raised security concerns, there have been no publicly announced amendments to the Air Traffic Safety Act specifically authorizing the Armed Forces to shoot down drones at present. Ongoing debates focus more on the deployment and operational effectiveness of military drones rather than enabling shoot-down authority for government or military entities.
The current regulations for drone operations in Germany and the EU prioritize safety, identification, and compliance with Remote ID requirements, rather than proactive shoot-down provisions for government or military entities. Any shifts in this legal landscape would likely undergo extensive debate due to their significant implications.
- The recent changes in the Air Tra traffic Safety Act discussions in Germany's political sphere extend beyond drone defense, involving revisions to community policy and employment policy, as officials contemplate the need for the armed forces to enforce these measures.
- The ongoing debates about the Air Traffic Safety Act's amendments also encompass finance, business, and general-news discourse, as the German government deliberates on the potential financial implications, safety concerns, and societal impact of authorizing the use of force against drones.
