Berlin: Germany is set to give its police forces the power to take down drones that pose serious risks to public safety and air traffic. The decision comes after repeated drone sightings at Munich Airport caused flight cancellations and left over 10,000 passengers stranded.

The legislation, approved by the cabinet and awaiting parliamentary approval, allows law enforcement to use tools such as firearms, lasers, or signal jamming to neutralize drones when there is an immediate threat or potential for serious harm. The move reflects growing concerns about airspace security in Germany and follows a trend among European nations including the UK, France, Lithuania, and Romania, where authorities have already been empowered to respond to drone threats.

German officials, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have highlighted that some drone activity may be linked to foreign reconnaissance efforts, particularly from Russia. While the drones involved were unarmed, authorities see them as part of a broader pattern of hybrid security threats.

Drone-related incidents in Germany have been increasing, with disruptions rising from 121 cases in 2023 to 172 in the first nine months of 2025. Despite the new powers, authorities acknowledge challenges in safely detecting and neutralizing drones in urban areas, where the use of force could put civilians at risk.

The new law aims to strengthen airspace safety and protect the public from the growing risks posed by unauthorized drones.