Bavaria Bolsters Drone Defense with New Center, Tighter Laws
Bavaria is bolstering its defenses against drone threats. Minister President Markus Söder and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz have announced plans to establish a new 'Drone Competence and Defense Center' in Erding, led by the Bavarian Riot Police. This move follows a series of drone incidents, including those at Munich Airport, which caused significant disruption.
The new center will be part of Bavaria's national drone defense strategy and will aim to equip security authorities with the necessary legal and technical means to respond swiftly and effectively to air threats. The center will be established within the Defense Lab Erding and will bundle existing competencies under the direction of the Bavarian Riot Police.
Söder and Merz suspect foreign state actors, potentially including Russia, may be behind the drone incidents. However, there is currently no concrete evidence to support these suspicions. The Kremlin has denied any involvement.
To strengthen drone defense, the federal government is also setting up a joint defense center. A planned amendment to the Police Task Act will allow for a graduated response to drone threats. This could involve electronic take-over or disruption, and in extreme cases, shooting down drones as a last resort.
The new law aims to address the current legal constraints and lack of technical equipment for drone detection and defense in Bavaria. Bavaria is introducing a bill to expand the Police Task Act to enable drone defense, including shooting down drones if necessary.
The establishment of the 'Drone Competence and Defense Center' in Erding underscores Bavaria's commitment to protecting its population and infrastructure from drone threats. With the planned amendment to the Police Task Act and the creation of a joint defense center, Bavaria and the federal government are taking significant steps to enhance drone defense capabilities nationwide.
