Poland proposes expanded railway security powers to counter drones

The Polish government is proposing legislative amendments to strengthen the security of critical transportation infrastructure. A key component of the draft law involves expanding the authority of the Railway Security Guard (SOK) to counter modern threats, specifically targeting the use of drones. Under the new regulations, SOK officers would be empowered to use specialized equipment to destroy, neutralize, or take control of unmanned aerial vehicles that pose a threat to railway safety.

In addition to drone countermeasures, the proposed changes would grant security personnel broader powers, including the ability to conduct preventive checks of individuals and their luggage. The legislation also outlines expanded use of direct coercion measures, such as restraining nets and incapacitating substance sprayers, and clarifies circumstances under which firearms may be used, including to neutralize objects that pose an explosion risk.

These measures follow recent sabotage incidents on the Warsaw-Lublin line and are intended to address concerns regarding hybrid threats to national infrastructure. The project also emphasizes increased cooperation between the Railway Security Guard and other state services, including the Polish Armed Forces and the Internal Security Agency.