Drone army for Germany? Bundestag debates CDU/CSU motion for the first time

On 16 May, the German Bundestag will debate building up a drone army for the first time. The CDU/CSU parliamentary group has announced a motion to that effect. After the roughly 45-minute debate, the motion could either go to the committees for further deliberation or be put to a vote immediately – this is still undecided.

As justification, the movers cite Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, which has now lasted more than two years. It has “resulted in massive changes in warfare, both offensive and defensive”. “In particular, drones of various sizes as well as a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and drones are playing an increasingly important role.”

In the movers' view, however, the federal government has so far responded inadequately. On 27 February 2022, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz issued the mandate to identify and develop capabilities to counter the Russian threat now and in the future. For military drones and their defence, it has “not even begun to be implemented by the federal government”.

A drone army instead of 21 Eurodrones by 2032

Given current impressions from Ukraine, the movers also consider the federal government's plans so far – such as the procurement of 21 Eurodrones by 2032 – to be inadequate. Germany is helpless against drones, they argue, and this situation must be “remedied as quickly as possible”.

The goal should therefore be “to build up a drone army and develop capabilities to combat drones and protect against drones”. The aim is a “war-ready Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) and the protection of civilian and military critical infrastructure against sabotage and terrorist attacks”.