Germany’s armed forces, the Bundeswehr, will stop using commercially available drones made in China for training and certain exercises. Existing systems are to be replaced with models from Germany or other European countries.
The Defence Ministry said the decision follows an individual assessment of military, IT and data-security risks. Commanders may use off-the-shelf drones for exercises only after a risk assessment and where no security-relevant information is at risk.
The change also covers Chinese-made devices previously used for training and target practice. Existing systems are to be replaced with domestic or, where necessary, other European products.
Officials stressed that the move is not a blanket ban on all products from particular countries. The decision concerns the risks associated with using drones in military settings and the protection of sensitive information.
Cameras, sensors and stored flight data can potentially expose information about military sites, exercises and equipment. The ministry’s public statement did not identify a confirmed case of data being transferred to Chinese authorities.
