Loitering Munitions: Germany’s New Drone Technology Initiative
Germany is preparing to equip its military forces with loitering munitions for the very first time, a move spurred by rising geopolitical tensions in the area. According to two sources from the country’s defense ministry who spoke to Reuters, contracts with two companies for the initial batch of these explosive drones are expected to be finalized shortly. While the specifics remain undisclosed, these drones are set to be tested across the German army, navy, and air force over the coming months.
In addition to the first round of contracts, sources hinted that Berlin intends to sign longer-term agreements by the end of the year, which would allow for a more substantial procurement of suicide drones. Historically, Germany has been hesitant to fully embrace loitering munitions due to its cautious defense policy and ethical reservations about the deployment of autonomous lethal technology.
Learning From Ukraine
Loitering munitions, also known as one-way attack drones, are designed to hover over a specific target area before either self-destructing or detonating upon impact. These types of munitions have become crucial in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, enabling both sides to accurately target high-value objectives while simultaneously hindering enemy operations. One defense source emphasized the significance of these systems, 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.”
The same source highlighted the necessity for every German soldier to be trained in drone operation, reflecting the fast-paced evolution in modern warfare. The initial contracts for loitering munitions are expected to focus on acquiring a limited quantity for training purposes, while larger orders can be anticipated as needs arise.
