Germany is poised to expand the operational capabilities of its federal military forces, the Bundeswehr, in response to a growing number of incidents involving unauthorized drone flights over critical infrastructure.

In a legislative move, the German government plans to amend the Air Security Act, enabling military intervention using armed force against unmanned aerial vehicles perceived as threats.

This legislative push is driven by suspicions of potential sabotage or terrorist activities, potentially orchestrated by state actors.

The proposal, reported by the German Press Agency in Berlin, is slated for Cabinet review in the upcoming week.

It outlines new provisions authorizing the use of weaponry against drones to preempt severe accidents or orchestrated attacks on key installations, including energy stations, telecommunications infrastructure, transport facilities, and industrial sites.

Recent months have seen heightened drone activity, notably around sensitive sites such as Ukrainian military training centers, the U.S. military's Ramstein Air Base, and other strategic locations within Germany.

A notable recent security breach occurred during the visit of the British aircraft carrier 'Queen Elizabeth' to Hamburg in November, when a drone was sighted in its vicinity.

Despite attempts to neutralize the drone using the Bundeswehr's HP-47 Effector jammer, these efforts did not prove effective.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, both from the ruling Social Democratic Party, have underscored the need for more robust measures.

At a December meeting, they emphasized enhancing police capabilities to safeguard national airspace.

Under current regulations, military involvement in airspace security is limited to non-lethal actions such as diverting aircraft, compelling landings, and issuing warning shots.

The proposed amendment seeks to broaden these capabilities, allowing armed intervention against drones specifically when there is a high risk of catastrophic damage or threats to life and safety.

Scenarios warranting such military response might include potential air or rail disasters, major power outages, or imminent terrorist threats.

This proposed change in policy reflects evolving judicial interpretations and past legal precedents, notably the Federal Constitutional Court's 2006 decision that banned the shootdown of hijacked passenger planes to counteract terrorism, citing conflicts with constitutional principles of life and dignity.

However, the distinct nature of unmanned drones presents new legal interpretations and operational challenges.

While discussions continue, questions remain regarding the exact procedures and responsibilities that will govern Bundeswehr actions in support of police missions.

An Interior Ministry spokesperson noted the proposal's details are yet to be confirmed, pending Cabinet review and detailed evaluation.

In the wake of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, the frequency and technical sophistication of unauthorized drone activities have reportedly risen, raising significant concerns about their resistance to current countermeasures.