Threat from drones, Germany calls for stricter measures to protect airspace

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has stressed that the temporary closure of Munich Airport following drone sightings was a "wake-up call" to the threat posed by drones.

Drones have caused similar problems at other airports in Europe.

"The battle between the threat from drones and the defense against them is becoming increasingly difficult," he told the Bild newspaper. 

He added that there is a great need for more funding and research on this issue, both at the national and European levels, The Guardian reports.

The leader of Bavaria, Markus Söder, also joined calls to strengthen Germany's air defense.

He told Bild that "the country's police should be able to shoot down drones immediately, without waiting."

Söder said the issue would be discussed at a Bavarian cabinet meeting on Tuesday and that a bill would be expedited to change the regulations.

"Our infrastructure must always function. We must have control over our airspace," he said after drone observations over Munich airport.