Loitering munition: Chief of Defence Breuer wants the Bundeswehr firing it this year

The Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) is to move faster in introducing so-called kamikaze drones, according to its Chief of Defence, Carsten Breuer. He told the German Press Agency (dpa): “We want to be firing loitering munition in the forces this year.”

Only a few days ago, the Bundeswehr presented plans to procure loitering munition. It is thereby responding to the ongoing drone war in Ukraine. According to media reports, it initially intends to buy systems for testing from at least two suppliers. Whether large-scale procurement follows is to depend on the feedback.

Loitering munition for the Army, Air Force and Navy

Breuer justified the move as follows: “The procurement closes a gap in the capabilities of the German armed forces. Its use gives the Bundeswehr back the flexibility that is decisive in combat. We are therefore aiming for maximum acceleration here, because the threat situation requires it of us.”

He continued: “Unmanned weapon systems and loitering munition will be deployed across the board in the Army, Air Force and Navy in the coming years. They are an indispensable addition to our capabilities,” the Chief of Defence said.

Helsing and Stark are apparently the two companies whose systems are under consideration.