Czech government to discuss giving critical infrastructure operators powers to disable drones

Operators of critical infrastructure in Czechia could be allowed to stop unauthorised drones flying over their protected sites and, as a last resort, destroy them, under a proposal due to be discussed by the government on Monday. The plan, drawn up by the Interior and Transport ministries, could apply to international airports, energy facilities and nuclear power plants.

Under the proposed rules, specially trained employees would be allowed to intervene against drones entering designated no-fly zones. They would first have to warn drone operators and ask them to leave the restricted area. They could intervene if the operator failed to respond or if there was an immediate danger.

The proposal would also give intervention powers to intelligence services and firefighters, while clarifying the existing powers of police and military police. The ministries say the changes are needed because police and military personnel cannot respond quickly enough to incidents at all protected sites. The proposal follows several drone incidents in Europe, including one that disrupted operations at Prague Airport in May.