Key facts
- France passed a law in August allowing approved operators of critical infrastructure to detect, jam, and shoot down drones.
- France plans to equip sensitive sites with counter-drone systems by 2027.
- Germany is reviewing legal involvement for infrastructure operators in counter-drone measures.
- Austria plans to grant similar powers to critical infrastructure operators.
- Poland has authorized security units to destroy, disable, or take control of drones near critical energy infrastructure.
European governments are increasingly considering granting private firms and state entities that operate critical infrastructure new powers to defend against drone threats. This comes as a response to a rise in drone incursions and hybrid attacks, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Concerns are growing that such attacks could disrupt essential services like power and heating, with some utilities seeking authorization to bring down drones themselves.
France has taken a leading role, passing a law in August that allows approved operators of critical infrastructure to detect, jam, and shoot down drones near designated facilities. The country aims to equip a list of sensitive sites with counter-drone systems by 2027. Germany is reviewing how infrastructure operators could be legally involved in counter-drone measures, while Austria announced similar plans in September. Poland has gone further, authorizing security units to destroy, disable, or take control of drones entering restricted zones around critical energy infrastructure.
However, legal uncertainties remain regarding liability and accountability for collateral damage when bringing down a drone. Executives and analysts note that utilities have historically focused on recovery rather than prevention, and some argue that authorities, not private operators, should retain responsibility for security threats.