The Danish government is proposing new legislation to grant certain public authorities and infrastructure managers the power to neutralize drones flying illegally or for criminal purposes in designated geographic drone zones. This measure aims to enhance security around critical infrastructure such as ports and airports.

Minister of Transport Thomas Danielsen emphasizes the need for a quicker and more efficient response to unauthorized drone activity. The current process involves too many steps, often resulting in the drone disappearing before the police can intervene. The proposed bill would empower entities like ports to take immediate action, potentially including shooting down drones.

The legislation is a response to the changing security landscape and the increasing prevalence of drones. The bill will allow designated authorities to remove drones operating without permission or those suspected of being used for illegal activities. Ports, for example, could be authorized to issue drone permits themselves, making it easier to verify whether a drone is authorized to fly in a given area.

While the bill doesn’t specify the methods for neutralizing drones, it mandates that any action taken must be legal. Danielsen acknowledges the increased risk of accidentally targeting private drones, but he stresses the potential for catastrophic consequences if a drone interferes with an aircraft. The Danish Transport Authority reported a significant increase in drone-related incidents near airports last year, with 206 cases compared to the previous year. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of critical infrastructure in the face of rising drone usage.