Germany to develop long-range strike drones for deep enemy territory - Handelsblatt
Photo: Germany is developing long-range drones to strike deep into enemy territory (Getty Images)
The Armed Forces of Germany have begun preparing a project to develop long-range strike drones intended to hit targets deep in enemy territory, according to Handelsblatt.
According to the media outlet, three consortiums are developing corresponding concepts after the German Air Force sent a request to leading defense companies and startups.
The company Airbus Defence is participating in the project jointly with the American startup Kratos, while Rheinmetall is cooperating with the drone developer Anduril. Also involved in the work is the Munich-based startup Helsing.
"They must cover thousands of kilometers, independently reach their targets, and, if possible, remain undetected. By 2029, the Bundeswehr wants to have the first such drones in its arsenal," the material says.
It is specified that the flight range of the new drones must exceed one thousand kilometers, and the flight speed must approach the speed of sound. In addition, the UAVs are intended to be autonomous, relying on artificial intelligence.
The German Ministry of Defense confirmed to Handelsblatt that preliminary negotiations regarding the project have already taken place. However, a tender has not yet been announced.
Germany is modernizing its army
Earlier, the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Carsten Breuer, emphasized that Germany must increase the number of soldiers to 460,000. This includes both reservists and active military personnel.
According to him, such a number of soldiers can be ensured either through voluntary or mandatory military service.
It was also reported that Germany may reinstate compulsory military service amid the threat from Russia, but for now, enlistment will be voluntary.
