Germany is poised to enhance its military capabilities by introducing loitering munitions, marking a significant shift in its defense strategy amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. According to two defense ministry sources who spoke with Reuters, the government is finalizing contracts with two companies for an initial batch of these explosive drones, although further specifics remain undisclosed.
The new drones are set to undergo rigorous testing by the German army, navy, and air force over the coming months. In addition to these initial contracts, Berlin is planning to establish longer-term agreements by year’s end that would secure a larger inventory of these so-called suicide drones.
While interest in loitering munitions has surged, Germany has yet to fully integrate them into its military operations. This hesitance can be attributed to the nation’s traditionally conservative defense posture and ethical concerns regarding the deployment of autonomous lethal platforms.
The shift towards loitering munitions appears to be influenced by lessons learned from the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. These one-way attack drones are designed to hover over a designated area before launching strikes, either by self-detonating or impacting directly with a target. Their effectiveness in the Ukraine conflict has underscored the importance of drone technology in modern warfare, allowing both sides to efficiently target key positions and disrupt the other’s operations.
One of the sources acknowledged this evolving landscape, stating, “The use of drones and the defense against drones is crucial for the survival of our troops on the modern battlefield. That’s something we learned in Ukraine.” This sentiment highlights the urgency of adapting military training protocols, as every German soldier is expected to acquire skills necessary to operate drone technology.
The initial contracts for loitering munitions are anticipated to focus on a limited quantity intended for training purposes, with larger procurement orders likely to follow on short notice. As Germany navigates its defensive capabilities in a rapidly changing geopolitical climate, the integration of loitering munitions is seen as a critical step towards modernizing its armed forces.
