Germany expands military powers to tackle rising drone threats

Friday 27 February 2026 - 07:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Germany expands military powers to tackle rising drone threats

Germany’s parliament has approved new legislation granting the military wider authority to combat drone incursions, an escalating concern linked by officials to Russian hybrid interference across Europe. The Bundestag voted Thursday to amend the Aviation Security Act, enabling the Bundeswehr to use electronic jamming systems or direct fire to neutralize drones threatening national security or critical infrastructure. Until now, such actions required civilian authorization, reflecting strict constitutional limits on military operations within Germany’s borders during peacetime.

The revised law allows the Defense Ministry to act independently in urgent situations, shortening response times when drones approach airports, military bases, or energy facilities. State police forces, which typically handle unauthorized drone incidents, have often lacked specialized equipment and training. The legislation also criminalizes drone flights in restricted airport zones, imposing penalties of up to two years in prison to deter activists whose protests have disrupted air traffic.

Government data show reported drone incidents soared to more than a thousand in 2025, many near airports and defense sites. Federal Criminal Police Office chief Holger Münch described the activity as a “serious threat,” suggesting it often originated from foreign intelligence efforts to destabilize Germany. In October and November, drone sightings at Munich and Berlin Brandenburg airports forced temporary groundings affecting thousands of passengers. Chancellor Friedrich Merz openly accused Russia of orchestrating many of these incursions as part of a “campaign against European stability.”

The law complements a broader national defense overhaul. In late 2025, Germany launched a Joint Drone Defence Centre in Berlin and formed a specialized police unit of 130 experts to respond to aerial threats. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt emphasized the need for consistent vigilance, stating that Germany “faces hybrid attacks almost daily.” The Bundestag also authorized a contract valued at around €536 million for thousands of combat-ready drones produced by domestic firms Helsing and Stark Defence, earmarked for NATO’s forward deployment in Lithuania. With this legislation, Germany aligns with France, the United Kingdom, and other allies that have equipped their forces with clearer mandates to eliminate unauthorized drones from their skies.