Berlin, Apr. 7, (dpa/GNA) - Germany’s armed forces are set to get a contingent of armed drones to help them on their missions, after the legislature’s defence panel signed off on the plan, according to the Defence Ministry on Wednesday.
The Heron TP drone is not just for reconnaissance, but can also fire rockets. Such a purchase was a political hot potato for years, but Germany has been committed to upgrading its defences ever since Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who heads the Bundestag’s defence committee, said she was “more than happy that there has been a decision for the defence of our soldiers.”
“A drone gathers intelligence for you. But the person who is leading has to be ready to defend the troops on the ground. That’s why it’s essential to put weapons on the drone.”
The ministry said it expects to spend €152.6 million ($167 million) on fully armed drones, which it will buy from Israel. That will amount to 140 drones, 60 for training and 80 for use in the field. The money will also pay for other equipment, training and preparing infrastructure and simulators.
The Israeli government has to sign off on any decision to sell drones armed with the munitions. But the German ministry said the stipulations for carrying out armed spying and defensive missions now existed.
But there was dissent. Janine Wissler of the hard-left Die Linke noted that Germany’s government seemed focused on buying weapons. “Putting weapons on drones is not for protecting lives, but is preprogrammed for the mission of killing.”
GNA