Germany Halts Use of Chinese Drones Amid Security Concerns

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Germany‘s Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday that the nation’s military will no longer utilize drones manufactured in China. The ministry cited rising security concerns regarding the potential transfer of sensitive information to Beijing as the reason for this decision.

A spokesperson for the German Ministry of Defense explained that these drones had previously served as a cost-effective option for target practice and military training. However, they are now slated for replacement with European alternatives. This move is intended to bolster the self-sufficiency of Germany’s armed forces and enhance the country’s technological independence. The spokesperson clarified that there is no blanket prohibition on equipment from specific countries, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, assessing security risks and the protection of information technology systems and data.

Earlier, Der Spiegel reported that local German army commanders, operating under the 2024 strategy and approved equipment lists, had been authorized to procure such equipment, including several drone models from the Chinese company DJI. DJI has repeatedly refuted allegations of its drones posing a security risk, stating in May that an independent review found no evidence of data transmission.

This decision comes in the wake of the United States banning the use of vehicles from Chinese company BYD at its air base on Okinawa Island last month. Furthermore, in February, Poland prohibited the entry of Chinese-made vehicles into military facilities due to concerns about sensitive data collection via their sensors.