Up to 500 km: Germany to establish its first drone regiment
The German armed forces - the Bundeswehr - will establish its first special drone regiment during 2027. The unit, which will be formed based on the experience of the war in Ukraine, will combine capabilities for reconnaissance, striking targets, intercepting enemy drones, and electronic warfare.
Up to 500 km: Germany will establish its first drone regiment
According to DW, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced this on October 1 during his visit to the Bergen military training area in the federal state of Lower Saxony.
"During 2027, we will establish the Bundeswehr's first drone regiment," the minister said.
According to him, the German army is monitoring the processes on the battlefield and drawing appropriate conclusions.
"Anyone who wants to succeed on land must master the combat use of unmanned systems," Pistorius said.
The minister also added that the experience of Ukraine will be taken into account in all developments.
### Drone systems will be used at distances of up to 500 kilometers
The new regiment will use unmanned systems at distances ranging from very short ranges up to 500 kilometers.
The unit will perform tasks of conducting reconnaissance, destroying targets, and intercepting enemy unmanned aerial vehicles. It will also include a separate electronic warfare company.
According to the Commander of the Land Forces, Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, initially 300 military personnel will serve in the regiment. Later, it is planned to increase the staff size to 600.
Where the regiment will be stationed has not yet been determined.
### Military and engineers are testing technologies together
Pistorius made his statement at an event where the Bundeswehr, in cooperation with industrial enterprises, is testing new technologies directly in field conditions.
The minister called this process a "laboratory in the field." In his opinion, such an approach allows for faster development of new solutions.
Pistorius emphasized that the army is not limiting itself to waiting for the delivery of finished products, but is testing existing technologies itself.
According to him, the effectiveness of individual weapon systems largely depends on how they are integrated into a common network. For this reason, military personnel must work directly together with engineers and developers.