Germany’s military has announced it will discontinue the use of Chinese-manufactured drones, citing security concerns regarding the potential transmission of sensitive information to Beijing. A spokesperson for the defence ministry confirmed the decision on Wednesday, noting that these devices, which were previously used for training and target practice, will now be replaced with European-made alternatives.
The shift is part of an effort to bolster the Bundeswehr's technological independence and self-sufficiency. According to the ministry, there is no universal ban on products from specific nations. Instead, the military is conducting individual risk assessments to safeguard information technology, military operations, and data security.
The change was first reported by the German outlet Der Spiegel, which stated that local commanders were previously permitted to purchase these drones under a 2024 procurement strategy. This strategy included a "white list" of approved hardware, which featured several models from DJI, the world’s largest drone manufacturer. In response to the development, China's foreign ministry stated it opposes what it described as "discriminatory practice" against its products.
DJI has maintained that its drones do not pose security threats. In May, the company informed US lawmakers that an independent review found no evidence of data being transmitted outside the United States. Despite these assertions, Western nations have increasingly scrutinized hardware from Chinese firms. Poland recently barred Chinese vehicles from military facilities due to concerns over sensor capabilities, and the US prohibited BYD vehicles from an air base in Okinawa, Japan, last month.
Key facts
- The German defence ministry is replacing Chinese-made drones with European models to improve technological sovereignty.
- Chinese drones were previously permitted for training and target practice under a 2024 "white list" policy.
- The ministry confirmed no general ban exists, but individual risk assessments are being applied to military and IT security.
- China’s foreign ministry characterized the decision as a "discriminatory practice."
- DJI, a prominent drone manufacturer, has denied that its products pose security or data transmission risks.
Why it matters
The move reflects a growing trend among Western militaries to restrict the use of foreign-made technology that could potentially gather intelligence. The German defence ministry spokesperson noted that sensors in modern vehicles and devices are viewed as significant security risks, and access to sensitive military sites may be restricted as a result.
Source: The Hindu
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