Germany to Acquire Lethal Drones for Bundeswehr Amid Defense Strategy Shift
In a significant strategic shift, Germany's defense ministry announces plans to procure modern attack drones as part of military modernization efforts.
Germany's Bundeswehr is set to receive lethal drones, marking a notable shift in its defense strategy, as confirmed by statements from the Ministry of Defense in Berlin.
Following the example of various other nations, the Bundeswehr will acquire modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fitted with explosives, with contracts expected to be signed in the coming days.
Initially, the procurement will involve smaller quantities from at least two manufacturers to help gather operational insights and commence practical training for military personnel.
Previously, due to political decisions, the Bundeswehr lacked these flying, partially autonomous weapon systems, described by experts as "loitering ammunition." This term refers to munitions that remain airborne over a designated area until they can identify and engage a target.
When designed for single-use purposes, they are often termed kamikaze drones.
The Ministry of Defense has yet to disclose the manufacturers involved, citing the need for contracts to be finalized.
In recent years, Germany has fallen behind other countries in defense technology advancements.
Among those developing these systems is the German company Helsing, which has been supplying the HX-2 drone to Ukraine.
This drone utilizes artificial intelligence to guide explosives to a target confirmed by the soldier and is designed to be less susceptible to countermeasures.
Helsing has advocated for a rapid establishment of credible conventional deterrents with innovative combat drones on NATO's eastern flank.
The company states that such a drone system could be operational within a year, contingent upon additional investments in reconnaissance systems, satellites, and potentially reconnaissance drones.
Moreover, the defense ministry highlighted the lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, indicating that drones today play a role similar to that of tanks a century ago, described as “a true game changer” in modern warfare.
While they may not be decisive in winning wars, the effective integration of drones in military operations can be crucial for battlefield success.
The ministry has also acknowledged the existing gap in drone defense capabilities over military installations and critical infrastructure, underscoring the challenges of neutralizing suspicious drones in populated areas without collateral damage risks.
Each projectile launched could return to ground level, potentially posing a lethal threat in urban environments.
Following the example of various other nations, the Bundeswehr will acquire modern unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) fitted with explosives, with contracts expected to be signed in the coming days.
Initially, the procurement will involve smaller quantities from at least two manufacturers to help gather operational insights and commence practical training for military personnel.
Previously, due to political decisions, the Bundeswehr lacked these flying, partially autonomous weapon systems, described by experts as "loitering ammunition." This term refers to munitions that remain airborne over a designated area until they can identify and engage a target.
When designed for single-use purposes, they are often termed kamikaze drones.
The Ministry of Defense has yet to disclose the manufacturers involved, citing the need for contracts to be finalized.
In recent years, Germany has fallen behind other countries in defense technology advancements.
Among those developing these systems is the German company Helsing, which has been supplying the HX-2 drone to Ukraine.
This drone utilizes artificial intelligence to guide explosives to a target confirmed by the soldier and is designed to be less susceptible to countermeasures.
Helsing has advocated for a rapid establishment of credible conventional deterrents with innovative combat drones on NATO's eastern flank.
The company states that such a drone system could be operational within a year, contingent upon additional investments in reconnaissance systems, satellites, and potentially reconnaissance drones.
Moreover, the defense ministry highlighted the lessons learned from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, indicating that drones today play a role similar to that of tanks a century ago, described as “a true game changer” in modern warfare.
While they may not be decisive in winning wars, the effective integration of drones in military operations can be crucial for battlefield success.
The ministry has also acknowledged the existing gap in drone defense capabilities over military installations and critical infrastructure, underscoring the challenges of neutralizing suspicious drones in populated areas without collateral damage risks.
Each projectile launched could return to ground level, potentially posing a lethal threat in urban environments.
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