Berlin (dpa) – Most aviation industry experts in Germany say the country lacks sufficient laws to detect and counter drones, raising concerns about growing security threats, a survey seen by dpa showed.

The survey was conducted by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and the European Unmanned Aviation Association (UAV DACH).

About 74% of the 140 specialists from member companies active in drone operations, detection and defence surveyed said current laws are not sufficient to allow companies or police to effectively deal with drones.

Illegal drone flights increasingly threaten national security and economic stability, BDLI managing director Marie-Christine von Hahn said. She added that Germany needed better coordination of drone defence so that the wide range of technologies developed by industry can be deployed.

Two-thirds of the experts reported incidents with illegal drones in their organizations, most of them within the past six months. The main threats cited were espionage targeting military facilities and critical infrastructure.

While drones can also serve as tools for protecting infrastructure, 72% of respondents said their organizations do not use drone detection, mainly due to cost and risk concerns. The available technologies were rated as only low to moderately effective.

Experts called for a national strategy for drone detection and defence.

About 72% backed stronger regulation and legal frameworks, 63% supported security solutions for critical infrastructure provided by authorities such as the police and 59% wanted guidance on preventive measures.

Source: dpa.com