Germany is giving its armed forces the ability to shoot down unidentified drones suspected of spying on military bases, industrial facilities and other critical infrastructure, according to people familiar with the matter.

Under the planned amendment to the Aviation Security Act, local authorities will be able to ask the military to take action if they deem it necessary. In this case, the armed forces will be allowed to use force against illegal drones in the event of an imminent, particularly serious accident, the draft said.

Draft legislation has been prepared that will allow the German military to shoot down suspicious aerial drones following reports of drone sightings over military installations, dpa learned on Tuesday.

Up to 10 drones of unknown origin have been spotted above a military airfield in southern Germany, Bavarian authorities said on Monday. Investigators say they have not ruled out espionage as a possible cause for the sighting,