Bundeswehr: Drones for Germany

This topic has long since entered the political debate. The question of how, whether, and which drones should be used in conflicts has become increasingly explosive. The discussion isn't just about whether joysticks are permissible for killing, but also about whether Germany is falling behind in the race for the latest technology. After all, this type of warfare is about something new: networked systems guided by artificial intelligence (AI) and software that can destroy a tank worth several million euros with their comparatively inexpensive explosives.

With the war in Ukraine, kamikaze drones are coming into focus

In the past, German industry focused on reconnaissance drones – if at all. But the longer the war in Ukraine continues and the greater the threat of military clashes on NATO's border becomes, the more so-called kamikaze drones are coming into focus. These loitering ammunition are inexpensive, small missiles that can be produced quickly and in large numbers. They carry integrated explosive devices, dive at their target, and destroy it, destroying themselves in the process.

A large proportion of the deaths and injuries in the Ukraine war are now the result of drone attacks. Both warring parties are rapidly advancing the development of new drones and defense systems. New technologies or tactics emerge in a very short space of time: improved jammers, for example, or fiber-optic drones, which in turn are less susceptible to these electronic countermeasures. Since February, Russia has reportedly been using a new type of kamikaze drone that can find its target using AI.

The Bundeswehr plans to purchase a "four-digit or higher number" of such disposable attack drones. By comparison, Russia aims to produce up to 10,000 drones per day. Of course, Putin has long since switched to a war economy, but NATO would have to contend with this war economy in an emergency. Ulrike Franke of the European Council on Foreign Relations is one of the leading experts on drones. She says Germany would have to purchase "at least five-digit, if not six-digit numbers" to credibly deter Putin.

Can Germany afford a new drone debate?

Germany has so far achieved little in the field of drones. For over a decade, the debate about drone procurement was dominated by ethical and legal concerns – primarily from the SPD. It was only in 2022 that the Defense Committee approved the purchase of 140 missile sets for Heron TP drones from Israel. One crucial difference: Unlike the Heron TP reconnaissance drone, disposable drones, which explode upon impact, are classified as munitions rather than aircraft. This eliminates extensive certification and operational requirements.

The Bundeswehr must quickly upgrade to be prepared for a possible Russian attack on NATO territory, warns military expert Frank Sauer, who teaches at the Bundeswehr University in Munich. This is one of the reasons why attempts are currently being made to "work at several times the speed of light compared to the current pace of the German procurement bureaucracy," says Sauer.

The Bundeswehr currently does not have any of the disposable attack drones. But simply purchasing a large number now is not enough: You can't simply store drones like artillery ammunition. Technology is changing too quickly. According to experts like Ulrike Franke, it is therefore more crucial to be able to quickly produce drones in large numbers and using the latest technology in the event of a defense situation. To do this, the Bundeswehr must act more flexibly in procurement and, to a certain extent, reserve production capacity in the defense industry . The defense industry, in turn, should already be building up capacities and keeping them ready. At the same time, it is important to closely monitor which systems are currently being used in Ukraine – and to draw conclusions from this in order to be able to quickly adapt its own weapons systems in an emergency.

On the other hand, experts say it's still important to buy drones in large quantities now – even if they'll soon become obsolete. Sauer says it's "irresponsible to wait any longer." He fears that Russia could soon attack the Baltic states because the European NATO is so far unwilling to defend itself without American help. One could build 100,000 drones much faster than hundreds of tanks. That's a lever that's available now.

Drone start-ups could perhaps close the gap

But is it that simple? Politicians are currently pinning their hopes on two companies in particular: the two young drone startups Quantum and Helsing. Both are now hoping for a breakthrough. Quantum Systems was founded in 2015 by former Bundeswehr officer Florian Seibel. Initially, it was simply focused on agricultural operations. When Russia began its large-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, the company began supplying the Ukrainian military with military reconnaissance drones. Seibel recently founded a second company, Stark Defence. Unlike Quantum, it will also produce loitering ammunition.

The situation is different at Helsing, a software company founded in Munich in 2021 that primarily specializes in the use of artificial intelligence in the defense sector. It also produces drones, such as the HX-2 , which uses artificial intelligence to navigate towards its target and self-destruct upon impact. Essentially, they're kamikaze drones. And the German Federal Ministry of Defense is interested in them. Last summer, it was leaked that the startup is valued at a total of five billion euros—a lot of money for a relatively young company. But as is so often the case in such cases, the business model and the associated business expectations are what count.

The company has been producing HF-1 drones for use in Ukraine with a Ukrainian partner for some time now – supported by the German government. These drones have received praise from Ukraine , but also criticism : their price is too high, and their software has significant flaws.

In February, the company announced the production of 6,000 HX-2 combat drones for Ukraine. "With this new order, Helsing will become one of the largest manufacturers of combat drones worldwide," Helsing said of the deal. Plans are now underway to significantly expand production, including at a new location.

The Bundeswehr, industry, and politics appear to be preparing for the new requirements. For Germany, however, the question remains whether it will build up the necessary capacities in time to avoid being left behind in an emergency. Denmark already plans to send unarmed soldiers to Ukraine to learn about drone warfare in training centers. Estonia is buying kamikaze drones for 400 million euros. And in the USA, frustrated soldiers – inspired by the notorious arms lobby – have founded the National Drone Association , which aims to accelerate the development of American drones. Because one thing is clear: the drone is no longer a futuristic project – it is a reality on the battlefield.