Germany’s federal government is discussing new legal rules to let operators of critical infrastructure take more practical steps against drones, while keeping core defensive powers with the state. The talks, coordinated with the Länder, focus on clearer authority for detection and countermeasures at sensitive sites, including the possible use of third parties to carry out protection work under legally secure conditions.
The Interior Ministry has identified unresolved questions over the division of responsibilities between the federal level and the states, with ministries continuing their talks. The planned changes are intended to define which drone defence measures remain reserved to state authorities and which operators of power plants, transport hubs and other protected facilities could handle themselves or through contractors.
The debate follows a rise in sabotage and attacks on companies and key facilities, prompting pressure for tighter protection of critical infrastructure. Politicians involved in the discussions are also examining delegated powers for private actors under state supervision, a model known in German as Beleihung, but qualification, authority and liability still need to be settled before any new framework can take effect.