German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, pictured in June in the Oval Office, said drone incidents "threaten our safety" as his government put forward legislation to allow the shooting down of drones after a series of in recent weeks disrupted flights across Europe. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo

Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Federal authorities in Germany were granted permission to shoot down drones following a series of recent sightings of unknown drones spotted near Munich.

The German government's cabinet on Wednesday signed-off on the new reform package that now awaits approval of the Bundestag, the country's parliament.

The move came after drones were seen at Munich Airport last week, which led to air traffic control suspensions and thousands of flights impacted directly.

"Drone incidents threaten our safety," said Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz.