‘Best Drone Is One That Never Takes Off’: Germany Mulls Cyberattacks on Russian Drone Makers

Germany is contemplating granting its intelligence agencies the authority to launch preventive cyberattacks on Russian drone manufacturers, as heightened concerns over sabotage, espionage, and drone threats persist, according to a senior lawmaker. Marc Henrichmann, chairman of the Bundestag’s Parliamentary Control Committee, emphasized the necessity for Germany’s intelligence services to transcend mere information gathering and be capable of preemptively neutralizing threats before they approach German soil.

"The ideal scenario is for them to disable and neutralize the attack drone in Russia, or the factory producing it, before it can pose a threat to a German airport or endanger the safety of German citizens," Henrichmann remarked in an interview with WELT TV. "The most effective drone is the one that never takes flight," he added.

Henrichmann asserted that the proposed reforms should equip Germany’s intelligence agencies with the operational capabilities required to "anticipate the threat" and potentially interfere with hostile cyber operations. He also advocated for enhanced cooperation and pooling of intelligence and cyber capabilities among German intelligence services, given the escalating threats from Russia.

"Cyberattacks, sabotage, and espionage, as well as unauthorized drone overflights, are now a tangible reality, necessitating better preparedness," Henrichmann conveyed to the Rheinische Post. The German government is anticipated to deliberate on legislative amendments to the statutes governing the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution on Wednesday.

Henrichmann contended that the reform should elevate Germany’s intelligence services to a level of capability deemed standard by European allies. The suggestion has garnered backing from certain opposition lawmakers. Green Party security expert Konstantin von Notz deemed the reform long overdue but emphasized the requirement for heightened parliamentary oversight.

Civil liberties groups, however, have cautioned that the modifications could significantly broaden the powers of German intelligence agencies. The Society for Civil Rights contended that the draft law might enable extensive utilization of state trojans, AI-driven analysis, access to private surveillance cameras, and "hackbacks," potentially without adequate legal safeguards.

Kai Dittmann of the group called for a comprehensive revision of the draft legislation, contending that certain aspects could contravene Germany’s constitution.