Faced with the proliferation of unsolved overflights over critical infrastructure, the German government has decided to authorize the army to shoot down suspicious drones. Until now limited to a support role, the Bundeswehr will now be able to intervene directly in the event of a serious threat, provided that the police cannot technically manage the situation.
“We are not being intimidated,” said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, pointing to an upsurge in the use of drones since “Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.” According to the ministry, the new legislative measures aim to counter the risks of espionage and sabotage posed by these sophisticated devices.
Several incidents in recent months
In recent months, several incidents have put Germany on alert. On Monday, at least ten drones flew over a military zone housing the manufacturing site for Eurofighter combat aircraft in Manching, Bavaria. Similar incidents have been reported at Airbus Defense and Space sites and nearby military installations.
In August, drones flew over an industrial zone including a nuclear power plant and a natural gas terminal in Brunsbüttel. In December, nighttime overflights targeted strategic installations, notably those of the Rheinmetall group and the American air base at Ramstein. “Drones, as an instrument of espionage and sabotage, can be a real danger, particularly to our critical infrastructure,” warned Nancy Faeser.
Advanced technology and hybrid threats
Authorities report that the drones used have sophisticated capabilities, beyond those of commercial models, and could be deployed for the benefit of foreign state agencies. “The advanced technology of many drones presents law enforcement authorities with increasing challenges,” they noted.
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The first military supporter of Ukraine in Europe after the United States, Germany considers itself particularly vulnerable to hybrid threats, in particular because of its geographical proximity to Russia. Furthermore, the bill, adopted on Wednesday by the Council of Ministers, modifies the law on aviation safety and must still receive approval from the Bundestag. Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit hopes for a vote before the snap elections on February 23.
Source: www.20minutes.fr
