Czechia Moves to Let Critical Infrastructure Operators Stop and Shoot Down Drones

In brief

• The Czech government will discuss on 9 November a bill letting critical infrastructure operators counter drones over their sites.
• Operators could apply for protected zones where trained staff may stop drones and, in extreme cases, destroy them.
• The powers would also extend to intelligence, prison service, GIBS and firefighters during rescue operations.

Who could act against drones

The Czech cabinet is set to discuss the draft on Monday, 9 November. Under the proposal, operators of critical infrastructure could apply for their territory to be designated as a protected zone. Specially trained staff working there would then be allowed to take measures against unmanned aircraft under defined conditions, and in extreme cases to destroy them (В Чехии хотят разрешить сотрудникам аэропортов и электростанций уничтожать дроны над этими объектами – NV) (У Чехії планують посилити захист критичної інфраструктури від дронів – Європейська правда).

At present, drones can be neutralised only by police or the military. The authors of the proposal argue that speed of response is the decisive factor in protecting such sites, and that the state's forces cannot cover the large number of facilities concerned in time.

Which sites are concerned

According to preliminary information from the transport ministry, the rules could apply to international airports, energy hubs and nuclear power plants. Reports also describe power stations as falling within the scope of the plan.

Other agencies included

Beyond infrastructure operators, the draft would give powers to intelligence services, the prison service and the General Inspectorate of Security Forces (GIBS) (У Чехії працівникам стратегічних об'єктів можуть дозволити збивати дрони – Suspilne). Firefighters would be able to intervene during rescue operations if a drone poses a direct threat to rescuers or to aircraft involved in the operation. The amendment also simplifies the conditions under which police and military police can act.

What happens next

The bill has so far been presented as a proposal to be discussed by the government. Its approval, and any later passage through parliament, would determine when the rules take effect.