In a first, German military to order exploding drones: Report

For the first time, the German military will be equipped with loitering munitions or exploding drones, as Berlin seeks to modernise its arsenal, Reuters quoted two defence ministry sources as saying on Thursday.

These single-use drones, which dive toward their target and detonate on impact, have demonstrated their destructive capabilities in Ukraine, where both Russian and Ukrainian forces have deployed them.

Germany has long debated the procurement of armed drones, with concerns over their use in targeted killings by U.S. forces in Afghanistan. It was only in 2022 that parliament approved arming larger drones like the Heron TP, which operates at higher altitudes. However, with the ongoing Russia- Ukraine war and uncertainty over U.S. military support, Germany is prioritizing military upgrades.

Last month, the German parliament approved a major defence spending boost worth hundreds of billions of euros.

Contracts with two companies for a first batch of exploding drones will be signed in the coming days, the sources said, declining to name the companies. The army, air force and navy will test them in the following months.

“The use of drones and the defence against drones is crucial for the survival of our troops on the modern battlefield, that’s something we learned in Ukraine,” said one of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“Each soldier must be capable of operating drones, just as today, everybody knows how to use binoculars.”

Germany will aim to sign longer-term contracts by the end of the year for a larger number of drones, shortening the period for introducing new weapons which usually takes years.

As drone technology evolves rapidly, the deals will specify that companies supply a limited number initially for training purposes and that they may be asked later to supply a larger number of the latest models at short notice if needed.

“There’s no use in purchasing thousands of drones … only to realise they are outdated by the time we need them,” one of the sources said.

With inputs from agencies