Security authorities collapse almost daily Drones those who travel without permission. This must stop – also because the federal government assumes that at least some of these drones are being used by state actors for espionage and sabotage purposes. The focus here is specifically on Russia.
Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) has now submitted a draft aviation security law intended to allow the deployment of the Bundeswehr in such cases. Most important questions and answers:
What changed?
Anyone who has a drone from a hardware store has nothing to fear. Provided he has registered his device and adheres to known distance rules – for example around airports.
However, there are new authorities for the use of equipment and personnel Bundeswehr to avoid danger from drones. According to the plans of the Federal Ministry of Interior, the armed forces will provide administrative assistance to states in the future. “Additional airspace surveillance measures” as well as the provision of devices to detect and defend against drones and even the use of weapons could be considered support.
What applies to the use of weapons?
This should be allowed, but only in certain exceptional cases. The Bundeswehr should – again just to support states – be able to use weapons or other devices to stop drones, such as so-called jammers, to defend against drones. This is a device that disrupts contact between the drone and its remote control.
However, such measures should only be taken if there is no other option to avoid the danger and if, based on the circumstances, it can be assumed that human life is in danger or important facilities will be destroyed.
Is the Bundeswehr allowed to intervene in the country?
In fact, the Constitution only provides for this in peacetime in clearly regulated exceptional cases – for example as administrative assistance in disasters, pandemics or to support the police. More comprehensive powers for the Bundeswehr domestically are planned for defense purposes.
Domestic Green Party politician Konstantin von Notz recently took the view that without constitutional change, the Bundeswehr cannot be used to defend itself against drones. Notz said: “Even if you declare tensions for the Bundeswehr to take over, you need a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag.” Dobrindt sees it differently.
When does the voltage drop start?
The Federal Minister of the Interior was also unable to accept the proposal of Union MP Roderich Kiesewetter (CDU). Meanwhile, he had suggested that a voltage reduction be announced Russia Respond to airspace violations in NATO territory. This would make it easier for the Bundeswehr to combat drones, he said. A statement of tension presupposes a real danger, but not an attack.
There is still controversy among experts regarding which method of hybrid warfare should be considered as a trigger for a situation of tension. Ultimately, this is also a political decision. Hybrid warfare is a combination of military, economic, secret service and propaganda means that can also be used to influence public opinion – even to the point of destabilizing entire societies.
Who decides on drone visibility in each case?
The Aviation Security Reform Act stipulates that the Bundeswehr will provide administrative assistance. Since things usually have to happen quickly to avoid danger or find out who is controlling the drone, the draft states that the Secretary of Defense does not need to be asked. Instead, support should be sought at lower levels of the hierarchy.
Can the Bundeswehr do that?
Basically yes, but the troop’s actual mission always takes priority. The draft literally states: “The Bundeswehr can only provide assistance as long as it does not jeopardize its national defense mission and its alliances.” At the same time, it states that defense against violations of state sovereignty has a defensive purpose and is therefore “the original task of the armed forces”. This would provide an international legal and constitutional basis for the Bundeswehr to shoot down drones belonging to foreign powers that invade German airspace.
Why new reforms are being implemented now?
Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, the number of drone sightings in Germany has increased. Besides, there are those who beg Federal Ministry of the Interior has long called for stricter regulations against activists who gain unauthorized access to airport runways. This must also be decided as part of the reform of the Aviation Security Law.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251119-930-311192/1
