“A serious threat to our security” – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the increasing number of drone incidents. In addition to Munich Airport, in the past few days unidentified drones have also been spotted over Frankfurt and Copenhagen, and before that over sites of importance to security in several EU and NATO countries. “Our assumption is that Russia is behind most of these drone flights. "They want to test us," Merz said on a popular political talk show on public broadcaster ARD.
Russia denies the accusations
Munich airport has been closed several times due to the threat of flying drones, which has led to serious disruptions to air traffic. A media report that the drones were for military purposes has not yet been confirmed.
So far, no incidents with combat drones
The scale of these drone incidents in recent weeks is something new, the German chancellor said. Fortunately, "there has been no incident or case with a combat drone" so far. These are "attempted espionage" and for “creating insecurity among the population“.
Protection against drones in Germany is the responsibility of the police. According to Chancellor Merz, however, they are not yet sufficiently equipped. If necessary, drones on the territory of the country should also be able to be shot down by the military. That is why the federal government intends to introduce changes to the police law this week. In addition, the air safety law will be revised to clarify the military's powers regarding drone flights, as was already clear from Merz's appearance on the popular ARD talk show.
Anti-drone center
Meanwhile, it became clear that tomorrow the Bavarian government will discuss a new law to counter drones, which will give the police the right to shoot them down.
Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrint announced that a Center for Countering Drones will be established, which will combine the competences of the federal police, the federal criminal service, customs and the authorities of the federal states.