Berlin (dpa) – The budget committee of the German parliament has given the green light for the purchase of kamikaze drones. The budget politicians in the Bundestag approved plans by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius to initially order the weapon systems from German manufacturers Helsing and Stark Defence worth 540 million euros. In total, procurement of tens of thousands of kamikaze drones is planned. Defence group Rheinmetall is also in the running as a third potential supplier.
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius spoke of an “important step”. The “Lithuania Brigade” on NATO’s eastern flank is to be the first unit to receive the new weapons systems.
The Bundeswehr is to be given additional powers to counter drones in order to prevent espionage, sabotage and attacks on people. The Bundestag has passed an amendment to the Aviation Security Act to this effect, stating explicitly that the armed forces may provide assistance in countering unmanned aircraft – if necessary, using force.
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