Germany invests €10 billion in drones to shield Europe from Russia
Photo: Boris Pistorius (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Germany plans to invest €10 billion in the purchase of military drones in the coming years to protect European and NATO airspace, according to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
He notes that such a program would be part of a large-scale rearmament of the continent amid the growing threat from Russia.
The Minister welcomes the drone defense plan presented by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
He stresses that recent incidents of drones entering the airspace of countries such as Poland and Estonia have demonstrated the urgent need to strengthen defense capabilities.
Germany is ready to make visible contribution
"Germany will, of course, make a visible contribution here as well," Pistorius told reporters in Brussels, where NATO Defense Ministers are holding talks.
He adds that Germany's purchases will include drones of all types and altitudes, including both defensive and strike models.
"Above all, we want to ensure that the many individual measures mesh together like cogwheels," the German Defense Minister says.
Germany to lead the creation of a pan-European shield
According to Pistorius, Germany is ready to take the lead in creating a joint shield against air threats within the European Union.
This project will be one of the key elements of the new five-year rearmament plan to be presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
It involves a series of flagship defense initiatives, including the creation of a missile and drone defense system. The plan aims to ensure that Europe is fully prepared to repel potential threats by 2030.
