Germany proposes expanding intelligence powers for cyberattacks on Russian drone makers

A proposal has emerged in the German parliament to expand the powers of the country's intelligence services, allowing them to carry out preventive cyberattacks against Russian-made drones and the facilities that produce them. The plan was reported by the German outlet "Welt.de".

The proposal is part of a broader reform of Germany's intelligence services currently being prepared by the Bundestag, aimed at strengthening the country's ability to counter threats originating from Russia.

Neutralizing threats before they materialize

Marc Henrichmann, chairman of the Bundestag's Parliamentary Control Panel, explained that this approach would allow dangerous drones to be neutralized before they ever reach German territory. In his view, intelligence services should be able to use cyber operations to disable attack drones — or even the factories where they are manufactured — before the aircraft can be used against Germany.

The politician stressed that the "best drone" is one that never gets airborne in the first place and therefore poses no threat to German citizens.

A potential deterrent effect

Henrichmann noted that this approach could also serve as a deterrent — if Russian intelligence services understood that sabotage operations against European countries could trigger retaliatory measures, they would need to devote more resources to their own defense.

According to him, cyberattacks, sabotage, espionage and drone-related incidents have already become an everyday reality that Germany must be better prepared to face.

As a result, the country is currently preparing a wide-ranging reform of its intelligence services to expand their operational powers. The Bundestag plans to discuss the proposal on Wednesday, August 12.