Germany
to Allow Critical Infrastructure Operators to Counter Drone Threats

Berlin,
6 Sep 2026 (ONA) — The German government is planning legal amendments that
would empower operators of critical infrastructure to defend against drones
threatening their facilities, while clearly defining which measures would
remain the responsibility of the security authorities.

A
Federal Interior Ministry spokesperson said discussions are focused on
determining the measures companies could take independently or with third‑party
assistance, and separating them from those that should remain the exclusive
domain of the state. This would require addressing legal issues involving
overlapping federal and state competencies.

The
review also aims to improve rules for detecting and countering drones, and to
speed up the process of distinguishing between unauthorised and lawfully
operated aircraft.

Interior
Minister Alexander Dobrindt has previously expressed his desire to enable
operators of critical infrastructure — such as power stations, energy grids and
chemical plants — to take action against threatening drones, noting that this
would require completing the legal framework to allow operators to use
appropriate countermeasures.

The
moves follow incidents of sabotage targeting power grids in Brandenburg and
North Rhine‑Westphalia, and an attempted arson attack on a site housing defence
companies in Munich.

An
implementing regulation is being prepared for the Critical Infrastructure Protection
Act, which took effect on 17 March, to define the facilities covered by the
legislation, paving the way for their registration with the Federal Office for
Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance and the implementation of required
protective measures. The legislation also includes a mandatory reporting
requirement for security‑related incidents.

—
Ends/Khalid