Germany Can Target Drones Only Over Bases, Not Entire Country: Politico

After World War II, restrictions in the constitution allow the German armed forces to shoot down drones only over military bases, not over the entire airspace of the country. The publication Politico notes that these restrictions stem from a desire to prevent a recurrence of the abuses characteristic of Nazi Germany.

Theoretically, the Bundeswehr can use weapons within the country only in the case of a large-scale invasion.

According to officials, drones present in the national airspace were unarmed but could be used for reconnaissance purposes. In recent weeks, drones have been spotted above Munich Airport, while last year several drones were observed flying over the US Ramstein Air Base, the Rheinmetall defense company, and the BASF chemical company.