A failed bombing attempt in Leipzig, acts of sabotage, and drone sightings near critical infrastructure facilities across the country: Germany is debating ways to combat the illegal use of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS). Christian Heinz, Hesse’s Minister of Justice, is now calling for additional bans and stricter criminal laws. UAV DACH – European Association for Unmanned Aviation welcomes decisive measures against illegal drone operations but warns of negative consequences for the commercial use of UAS.
"Knee-jerk reactions do not help us. The crucial issue is that lower airspace is frequently a blind spot. Without comprehensive, real-time airspace awareness, Hesse's initiative will come to nothing. Furthermore, blanket overflight bans — affecting power lines and railway tracks, for example — impede legitimate, legal commercial drone operations in Germany," explains Dr. Gerald Wissel, Chairman of the Executive Board of UAV DACH – European Association for Unmanned Aviation.
Under current law, UAS operations over industrial sites, military installations, central power generation infrastructure, and many other sensitive facilities are already only permitted upon application and with specific authorization from the relevant aviation authority. Additional overflight bans and the introduction of a criminal offense for "criminal trespassing causing public harm" would therefore merely tighten existing regulations rather than overhaul them. Consequently, any changes would need to be structured so as not to place additional, disproportionate burdens on legal commercial UAS operations.