New rules will make it possible to remove drones

Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen wants to amend the aviation law to allow certain public authorities and infrastructure managers, such as in airports and ports, to neutralize drones that pose a threat. In recent years, there has been increased drone activity in Danish airspace. This can cause problems, for example, in areas with critical infrastructure. Therefore, Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen will update the rules in the drone area to make it legal to neutralize so-called non-cooperative drones in areas of Denmark that are designated as geographical drone zones.

In light of the security situation in Denmark, the bill should give certain public authorities and infrastructure managers responsible for areas with critical infrastructure the ability to neutralize drones if a drone operator is operating a drone illegally or using it for criminal purposes such as espionage, sabotage, or smuggling. This can be around critical infrastructure such as airports, ports, or bridges, where drones can pose a security risk to the specific infrastructure, other air traffic, or the security in the area that the authority or infrastructure manager is responsible for.

“Drones can pose a real danger in connection with our critical infrastructure. Therefore, we are now ensuring that certain authorities and companies have the ability to act promptly and shoot down a drone or otherwise neutralize it if deemed necessary, for example, if a drone is being operated illegally in an area with critical infrastructure,” says Thomas Danielsen.

With a proposal for a legislative change, which has just been put out for consultation, certain authorities and infrastructure managers will be able to quickly and effectively neutralize non-cooperative drones. The scheme will only apply to selected areas in Denmark where there are deemed to be special interests. The authorities and infrastructure managers responsible for, for example, ports and airports that may have the opportunity to neutralize drones must also meet certain requirements to ensure that the neutralization is done in a responsible manner.

The proposed amendment to the aviation law is part of a comprehensive legislative proposal on strengthened preparedness in the transportation sector.

The bill is open for consultation until August 21, 2025.