Germany aims to field 8,300 drones by 2029—5,700 for reconnaissance, 560 interceptors, and 2,070 loitering munitions. Some may include long-range strike capability up to 600 miles. Officials favor gradual procurement to avoid obsolescence, but domestic developers caution this could hinder capacity growth. The plan aligns with Germany’s decision to expand its defense budget to €161.8 billion in four years, largely for conventional assets. The strategy comes amid the Russia-Ukraine war, where drones account for major battlefield losses, and Berlin continues supporting Kyiv with additional Patriot systems.
