Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, will vote on the purchase of so-called “kamikaze drones” on Wednesday. At issue is the acquisition of thousands of explosives-laden drones, produced by German start-ups and to be deployed with Bundeswehr soldiers stationed in Lithuania on NATO’s eastern flank as a defensive measure against Russian aggression.
Germany’s army is seeking to acquire thousands of small drones capable of dropping their explosive charge on targets or crashing into them, hence the kamikaze moniker.
The initial order being voted upon today is worth about €536 million ($633 million), with an option to expand the order into the billions. The exact number of drones included has not been published. The Bundeswehr says the munitions would be deployed to Lithuania in 2027.
The Bundestag is expected to approve purchases from the companies Helsing in Munich and Stark Defence in Berlin.
Both companies say their drones are equipped with AI-supported defense systems that protect them against electrical jamming. Early issues with targeting inaccuracy have reportedly been fixed and both companies say they are testing their products in the field in Ukraine, claiming that they are “combat proven.” The Bundeswehr contract will contain an “innovation clause” to insure German forces have the most up-to-date equipment possible.
Both Helsing and Stark say their drones are capable of destroying “artillery, tanks and other military targets within a 100 kilometer (62 mile) radius.”
There are problems, however. The Green Party has objected to the deal and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and his colleagues in the SPD have only recently signaled approval after initial concerns.
The issue pertains to Stark and one of its investors — US tech investment billionaire Peter Thiel. A major backer of Vice President JD Vance, German-born Thiel is known for his lack of faith in democracy — “I no longer believe that freedom and democracy are compatible” — and this seriously worries some parliamentarians.
Stark has sought to tamp down such concerns, pointing out that foreign investors must undergo rigorous Federal Economy Ministry vetting before they can acquire more than 10% of stocks and adding that Thiel has no say in the company’s day-to-day business.
The chairman of the Bundestag Defense Committee, Thomas Röwenkamp of the CDU, said “open questions regarding overall cost, unit numbers and technical ability” will be resolved through “parliamentary processes.”
