Drones: Military Expert Masala Calls for Faster Armament - Germany's Military Drones Face Urgent Modernization Call
Germany's military drone capabilities are under scrutiny. Military expert Carlo Masala has called for faster modernization of its drone arsenal, while Defense Minister Boris Pistorius acknowledges the lag in drone defense. Meanwhile, CDU federal economics minister Katherina Reiche envisions Germany as a leading drone hub.
Carlo Masala, a military expert, has criticized the current pace of drone procurement for the German military, describing it as 'much too slow' and insufficient in numbers. He believes the procurement process is too slow for the current crisis situation. Masala argues against prioritizing domestic drone providers, given the advanced capabilities of other countries like the USA, Israel, and Australia.
Ukraine's drone use and defense capabilities are years ahead of Germany's. The modernization schedule for the Bundeswehr's drones and associated defense systems is underway, involving experimental phases and plans to procure necessary technology. However, significant challenges remain, including technical and legal hurdles, gaps in current capabilities, and unclear regulations. Efforts to consolidate competencies in a drone competence center are ongoing, but detailed timelines are not yet public as of October 2025.
The need for enhanced drone capabilities is clear. Carlo Masala's call for faster modernization and Boris Pistorius' admission of the lag in drone defense underscore the urgency. While Germany aims to become a leading drone location, as suggested by Katherina Reiche, it must first overcome substantial challenges to catch up with leading nations in drone technology and defense.
