Military Space News
UAV NEWS
Germany says adding explosive drones to weapons arsenal
Germany says adding explosive drones to weapons arsenal
by AFP Staff Writers
Berlin (AFP) April 4, 2025

Germany said Friday it would buy explosive drones for the first time as Berlin boosts investments in its armed forces to counter the threat from Russia.

The government had signed two contracts to purchase so-called loitering munitions, defence ministry spokesman Mitko Mueller said at a regular press conference.

Western militaries have looked to the war in Ukraine, where drones have become a defining feature of the conflict, to draw lessons for their own armed forces.

Both Russia and Ukraine have used drones for reconnaissance and both are also launching attacks with loitering munitions.

These drones can hover over a battlefield until a target is identified. Equipped with explosive charges, they detonate when they enter into proximity to or impact their target.

Germany was "doing a lot" to develop its drone capabilities, Mueller said.

The ministry had ordered enough drones to "give them directly to troops for testing", he said, without naming the suppliers.

Following initial tests, the army would make decisions over the wider deployment of the drones, which can be guided with the help of artificial intelligence.

Asked whether the drones would operate autonomously, Mueller said for Germany it was "clear that people make the decision about the use of the weapons".

"That will not change," he said.

Doubts over US security guarantees under President Donald Trump are prompting NATO allies in Europe to plan greater defence spending.

Germany's incoming government last month passed changes to the country's strict spending limits to clear the way for hundreds of billions of euros of new investments in defence and infrastructure.

Related Links
UAV News - Suppliers and Technology

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
UAV NEWS
NASA Makes Progress on Advanced Drone Safety Management System
Edwards AFB CA (SPX) Apr 03, 2025
From agriculture and law enforcement to entertainment and disaster response, industries are increasingly turning to drones for help, but the growing volume of these aircraft will require trusted safety management systems to maintain safe operations. NASA is testing a new software system to create an improved warning system - one that can predict hazards to drones before they occur. The In-Time Aviation Safety Management System (IASMS) will monitor, assess, and mitigate airborne risks in real time. ... read more

UAV NEWS
Israeli army says intercepts missile fired from Yemen

NATO takes Ukraine lessons into Europe's top air defence drills

Israel army says intercepted missile launched from Yemen

Israel military says intercepted missile from Yemen

UAV NEWS
US approves $1bn missile sale to Australia

Zelensky says attacks 'increasing' as 2 killed in missile and drone attacks

Russian strike kills 16 in Ukraine leader's home city, children among dead

Russian strike on Ukraine leader's home city kills four

UAV NEWS
Germany says adding explosive drones to weapons arsenal

US to deploy large surveillance drones to Japan's Okinawa

NASA Makes Progress on Advanced Drone Safety Management System

UK vows funding to boost drone and 'flying taxi' services

UAV NEWS
Trace wins major Army network contracts worth $373M

Senator questions canceling planned military satellites in favor of SpaceX

Skyloom completes OCT hardware deliveries for SDA York mission

SES and SpeQtral join forces to enable secure quantum communications across continents

UAV NEWS
Finland to leave anti-personnel mine treaty

Trump nominee says to press UK on Israel arms

Three of four US soldiers missing in Lithuania found dead

Federal officers in LA seize more than 1,000 replica guns at LAX so far in 2025

UAV NEWS
Can NATO agree a deal on spending that satisfies Trump?

Japan, NATO pledge increased defense cooperation to counter Russia, China

NATO chief says China military expansion 'staggering'

Poland aims to 'get closer' to 5% GDP defence spending next year

UAV NEWS
US may pull 10,000 troops from eastern Europe

Macron calls for 'strong action' if Russia continues to 'refuse peace'

Pentagon chief fires US military representative to NATO

During Japan trip, NATO chief warns of Chinese military expansion

UAV NEWS
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.