Frankfurt (Germany), 10 Nov. (LaPresse) – The Bundeswehr has banned the use of Chinese commercial drones within barracks and on training grounds with immediate effect for security reasons. This was reported by *Der Spiegel*, which states that the measure also applies to devices already purchased, in particular those manufactured by DJI. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the measure: “In future, Chinese models will no longer be used in the Bundeswehr, and existing systems will be replaced with domestic or European products.” The concern is that the drones could transmit sensitive data on exercises, images of military installations and information on German weapon systems to Chinese intelligence services. According to the weekly magazine, in recent years local commanders had been able to freely purchase commercial devices, including on the basis of a list of authorised models drawn up in 2024. It is estimated that several thousand drones have been purchased without centralised oversight. *Spiegel* also reports that the Military Counter-Intelligence Service (MAD) allegedly identified, whilst analysing certain devices used by the Bundeswehr, digital traces consistent with the transmission of data to external sources. The ministry has not provided any clarification regarding these suspicions. It is not known whether any incidents of information theft have already been confirmed. This measure comes on top of restrictions introduced by the Bundeswehr on access to military installations by vehicles manufactured in China, including models from BYD, Geely and Nio. The concern is that on-board cameras and sensors could collect sensitive images and data. A similar incident occurred in Norway, where, during a military exercise, it was discovered that some Chinese-made hire cars had recorded security procedures at the entrance to a base.
Germany: Bundeswehr bans Chinese drones over espionage fears
Frankfurt (Germany), 10 Nov. (LaPresse) – The Bundeswehr has banned the use of Chinese commercial drones within barracks and on training grounds with immediate effect for security reasons. This was reported by *Der Spiegel*, which states that the measure also applies to devices already purchased, in particular those manufactured by DJI. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed the measure: “In future, Chinese models will no longer be used in the Bundeswehr, and existing systems will be replaced with domestic or European products.” The concern is that the drones could transmit sensitive data on exercises, images of military installations and information on German weapon systems to Chinese intelligence services. According to the weekly magazine, in recent years local commanders had been able to freely purchase commercial devices, including on the basis of a list of authorised models drawn up in 2024. It is estimated that several thousand drones have been purchased without centralised oversight. *Spiegel* also reports that the Military Counter-Intelligence Service (MAD) allegedly identified, whilst analysing certain devices used by the Bundeswehr, digital traces consistent with the transmission of data to external sources. The ministry has not provided any clarification regarding these suspicions. It is not known whether any incidents of information theft have already been confirmed. This measure comes on top of restrictions introduced by the Bundeswehr on access to military installations by vehicles manufactured in China, including models from BYD, Geely and Nio. The concern is that on-board cameras and sensors could collect sensitive images and data. A similar incident occurred in Norway, where, during a military exercise, it was discovered that some Chinese-made hire cars had recorded security procedures at the entrance to a base.