Bundeswehr responds to Ukraine war with first drone regiment

The Bundeswehr will set up its own drone regiment with up to 600 soldiers - a consequence of the Ukraine war. This was announced by Defense Minister Pistorius. Where it will be stationed is not yet known. As a consequence of the war in Ukraine, the Bundeswehr wants to set up its own drone regiment for the first time in the course of 2027.

This was announced by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius during a visit to the Bergen military training ground in Lower Saxony. In Ukraine, a large part of destructive hits are achieved with drones. "If you want to assert yourself on land, you have to master the fight with unmanned systems," said the SPD politician. The Bundeswehr is now drawing conclusions from this realisation.

It is not only about flying systems, but also about unmanned land systems. "The regiment will cover ranges from the nearest distance up to 500 kilometers, and the crucial thing is that the regiment should have its own company for electromagnetic combat," Pistorius said. Objective: 600 soldiers in the regiment The Inspector of the Army, Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, gave further details: The regiment should grow up with an initial strength of 300 soldiers and reach a target strength of 600. The location has not yet been decided.

At the same time, unmanned systems would continue to be deeply integrated into existing troop types such as fighters, scouts and tank troops. In addition, it is the firm goal to equip Brigade 45, which is intended for Lithuania, with drone defense capabilities before its deployment. The drone regiment is also to be equipped with the new Kamikaze drones ("Loitering Ammunition"), which are currently undergoing trials in the Bundeswehr and are to arrive in the force next year.