Germany’s Bundestag on 26 February passed changes to its air safety law aimed at strengthening defences against drones.
According to a German parliamentary report, the directive strengthens defence capabilities against hybrid drone attacks on critical infrastructure and airports. In particular, the German military is authorised to support local authorities and police officers by “shooting down drones if necessary to prevent a particularly serious disaster”.
Also, the press office adds, the updated law aims to strengthen the countering of acts of sabotage at airports.
The dpa news agency notes that the amendment explicitly means the possibility for the German army to use armed force to defend against drones if necessary. Such a regulation is necessary because the German constitution places narrow limits on the domestic deployment of the country’s armed forces in peacetime.
At the same time, even with the changes, weapons should only be used as a last resort if the drone could be “used against human life or against a critical object.”
The amendment also increases penalties for demonstrators who obstruct air traffic by blocking runways.
Such actions by climate activists were previously considered a misdemeanour and will be classified as a felony in the future. Instead of fines and restitution, those convicted in the future will face several years in prison.
In November 2025, Reuters reported, citing an intelligence official, that Germany recorded the highest number of drone sightings over military bases in October, with an increasing focus on naval facilities.