German Government Debates Enhanced Drone Defense Amid Rising Suspicious Drone Sightings

Germany is witnessing growing security concerns due to increasing drone sightings over sensitive military and civilian infrastructure, prompting calls for stronger legal and defense measures. CDU politician Roderich Kiesewetter has urged the government to declare a 'Spannungsfall'—a constitutional state of tension—to enable the Bundeswehr to immediately counter drone threats, including reinstating compulsory military service and protecting civilian objects. He warned these drone activities, suspected to be reconnaissance efforts possibly linked to Russian hybrid warfare tactics, blur the line between internal and external security. However, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has downplayed the need for such drastic measures, emphasizing that drone defense remains primarily the police's responsibility. Merz highlighted that there have been no armed drone incidents so far and assured the public that the sightings mainly involve reconnaissance intended to instill fear. The cabinet is poised to adopt a new police law clarifying federal and state police roles in drone defense, while Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is pushing for the Bundeswehr's assistance in shooting down drones when necessary. Concurrently, Bavaria’s Minister-President Markus Söder demands expedited legal reforms to strengthen drone defense, citing disruptions such as multiple closures of Munich’s airport due to drone sightings. Söder plans to propose new state laws to address outdated regulations. The government is undertaking a review of the air security law to define the Bundeswehr’s responsibilities more clearly. These developments occur amid broader geopolitical tensions, with senior officials suspecting Russia’s involvement in these drone activities over German territory.

These competing viewpoints reflect differing assessments of the current threat level, with Kiesewetter advocating immediate escalated defense responses, while Merz calls for measured steps focusing on police preparedness and legal clarity. The Bundestag’s undefined constitutional term 'Spannungsfall' requires a two-thirds majority for activation, a politically sensitive threshold. As Germany navigates this emerging hybrid security threat, the government balances legal reforms, military readiness, and public reassurance efforts to fortify drone defense without escalating tensions prematurely.