Germany Faces Urgent Need to Modernize Drone Defenses, Why

Germany is facing mounting pressure to strengthen its drone defense capabilities after a series of incursions by suspected Russian drones into NATO airspace. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has openly acknowledged that the country is lagging in this domain, admitting that Germany is “really behind” when it comes to countering aerial threats from drones. Recent sightings over German territory have highlighted the urgency of the issue, raising concerns among military experts and policymakers alike.

A central challenge is the lack of appropriate equipment. Unlike Poland, which has occasionally relied on fighter jets to intercept drones, Germany cannot afford such measures over populated areas due to the high risks and costs involved. The Bundeswehr has turned its attention to the Rheinmetall Skyranger anti-aircraft vehicle, which is designed to tackle swarms of drones efficiently and can be rapidly deployed. However, the 19 vehicles ordered by Germany will not be delivered until 2027, leaving a critical gap in the near term. The retirement of the Gepard anti-aircraft tank further complicates matters. While this system has proven effective against drones in Ukraine, Germany donated its Gepards to Kyiv, leaving the Bundeswehr with fewer immediate options.

In response, Germany has acquired interceptor drones that capture enemy drones using nets. Yet experts, including Ulrike Franke from the European Council on Foreign Relations, stress that no single solution is sufficient. A multi-layered approach is necessary, combining electronic countermeasures, kinetic solutions, and even low-tech methods such as net launchers. Implementing such a system across the country is further complicated by the division of responsibilities between the military and the police. While the Bundeswehr focuses on neutralizing external threats, local police forces are responsible for internal security, including the protection of sensitive sites like airports. The current arrangement makes rapid response difficult, as police forces are often not equipped or authorized to counter drones effectively.

Recognizing these gaps, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has proposed amendments to the Air Security Act, allowing the military to assist police forces and even shoot down drones when necessary. He also advocates for a centralized drone defense center to coordinate efforts between federal and state authorities. These moves are part of a broader effort to modernize Germany’s approach to drone threats, which increasingly includes offensive capabilities. The Bundeswehr is planning the introduction of armed drones and kamikaze drones capable of detonating upon impact. Live-fire exercises with these systems are expected by the end of the year, signaling a significant shift in Germany’s military posture toward unmanned aerial warfare.

The urgency of these reforms has been reinforced by lessons from Ukraine, where drones have reshaped conventional battlefield dynamics. Experts argue that NATO countries, including Germany, should study Ukraine’s rapid development, deployment, and adaptation of drone technologies to strengthen their own defense measures. Think tanks, such as the Center for a New American Security, have noted that Germany’s historic caution in adopting armed drones has left the country vulnerable. The proliferation of drone technology now allows even smaller states or non-state actors to challenge traditional military powers, emphasizing the need for swift modernization and integration of advanced systems.

Germany’s policy shift toward armed drones, first formalized in 2022, represents a move to equip the Bundeswehr for modern threats while ensuring greater agility in procurement. Engagement with domestic AI and defense startups is being prioritized to enable faster delivery of cutting-edge drones, avoiding the delays inherent in traditional acquisition processes. Analysts argue that such an approach is essential in a fast-evolving domain, where technological advances can quickly render existing systems obsolete.

As Germany races to modernize its drone defenses, the situation underscores a broader challenge faced by NATO members: keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of unmanned aerial threats. The combination of technological innovation, structural reforms, and lessons learned from international conflicts is driving Germany to rethink its strategy comprehensively. Without swift and coordinated action, the country risks remaining exposed to a threat that is only expected to grow in scale and sophistication in the years ahead.