Germany launches high-tech drone defence partnership

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced that it will collaborate with telecommunications giant Deutsche Telekom to develop a drone defence system aimed at protecting the country’s critical infrastructure from potential sabotage.

The initiative comes amid growing concern over drone incursions in Europe. Last year, Munich Airport was temporarily closed after a series of drone sightings, disrupting flights and stranding passengers. Authorities in Berlin subsequently pledged to tighten security laws to enable faster detection and neutralization of drones. Similar incidents have been reported near military installations in Belgium and Denmark, fueling fears of espionage and sabotage.

“The threat posed by drones is highly digital. This is why effective defense requires a combination of sensors, effectors, and secure communication networks,” Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said.

Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom said the partnership will pool expertise in cybersecurity, physical sensors, and telecommunications networks to detect and counter potential drone threats. The system will integrate early detection technologies with measures to neutralize drones, protecting critical infrastructure across Germany.

Drone detection is not new for either company. In December, Rheinmetall partnered with the Hamburg police and port authority to safeguard maritime, civilian, and critical infrastructure. Deutsche Telekom previously detected drones for law enforcement during the 2024 European Soccer Championship.

The companies explained that most drones fly within visual range using radio-frequency (RF) remote controls. RF sensors can track these signals, revealing both drone and operator positions. However, drones operated via cellular networks present a new challenge, as they blend in with normal network traffic. Under the partnership, mobile networks will be used as sensors to detect anomalies in data traffic, making drone activity visible to emergency services.

The announcement precedes the AFCEA security technology trade show in Bonn, highlighting the increasing urgency for European nations to develop effective counter-drone measures. Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom said further details of the project will be disclosed at a later date.

By Vafa Guliyeva