Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has called for a major initiative to establish a drone army, positioning Germany as a leader in the development and production of drones to ensure ‘air sovereignty’ and protect Europe’s critical infrastructure. Her remarks, made in an interview with dpa, underscore the urgency of this effort following recent drone sightings in several European nations, which have been attributed to Russia.
Reiche emphasized the necessity of Germany’s leadership in drone technology, stating that the nation must ‘mobilize all available resources’ to achieve ‘rapid scaling of production and continuous technological development.’ According to Reiche, ‘Europe’s security will… be decided in German factories,’ signaling a strategic shift toward bolstering national defense capabilities. This push for a drone army comes as Germany faces economic challenges, including a recession last year and projected no-growth this year, according to the International Monetary Fund.
The call for a drone force is also tied to Germany’s role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where the country has become Kyiv’s second-largest arms supplier after the United States. Recent developments have further heightened the sense of urgency, with the minister highlighting the ‘events of the last few days’ as proof of the need for a self-sufficient drone capability. In addition to this, Germany has been strengthening its military presence in recent months, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz taking a hardline stance on Russia and declaring that the country is ‘already in a conflict’ with Moscow.
Reiche’s comments have also sparked international attention, as Moscow has denied any involvement in the recent drone incidents and has accused Western officials of pointing fingers at Russia. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has raised concerns about Germany’s ‘militarization,’ suggesting that it is displaying ‘clear signs of re-Nazification.’ These tensions underscore the broader geopolitical dynamics at play, as Berlin continues to expand its military posture and strategic commitments in the region.