Summary
Germany’s government approved a proposal allowing the military to shoot down drones over critical infrastructure as a last resort.
The move responds to rising sightings of suspicious drones, particularly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with concerns over espionage and sabotage.
Recent incidents include up to 10 drones spotted over Bavaria’s Manching air base, raising security fears.
Previously, the military could only force drones to land, redirect, or issue warnings.
The army division doing air defence was completely dismantled in 2012, with the missile-based systems (Ozelot) going to the air force, those shoot stingers. The Gepards are now Ukraine and are eating drones for breakfast on the cheap, but, well, they’re not in Germany. Rebuilding of that capability won’t happen before 2028. But yes the answer is air-burst munitions, I don’t think lasers are quite there yet. EW makes sense for commercial drones but military ones probably won’t be impressed.