Söder's Government Approves Law for Drone Shoot-Downs - Bavaria Raises Threat Level, Approves Drone Defense Bill After Disruptions
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) has announced a heightened threat level due to recent drone sightings and cyberattacks. The incidents have caused disruption, with thousands of passengers stranded after flight cancellations in Munich. In response, the Bavarian cabinet has approved a bill to bolster police capabilities against drones.
The new bill allows Bavarian police to shoot down drones as a last resort, a measure previously legally and technically challenging. A new drone competence and defense center will be established in Erding to support this effort. The police will also have the power to verify, disrupt, or take over control of drones. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) plans to set up a joint drone defense center at the federal level to coordinate these news.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and Markus Söder have publicly suspected Russia as the main culprit behind the drone incidents, attributing them to hybrid warfare. However, no conclusive legal evidence has been presented to confirm this.
The Bavarian government is taking decisive action to counter the drone threat. With the new bill and defense centers, police will have the necessary means to protect the public. While Russia is suspected, the origin of the drone flights remains officially unknown.
