Politicians representing the Union, SPD, and Greens have voiced warnings regarding security risks presented by Chinese technology in potential German drone defense systems that utilize mobile communication networks. The controversy stems from a proposal by Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom to establish a protective shield against drones and sabotage, a plan which could involve the existing mobile infrastructure.
Marc Henrichmann (CDU), the head of the parliamentary committee overseeing intelligence services, told the Handelsblatt that while the companies’ concept constituted a “proper and consistent step” a core security policy question arises if parts of future drone defense are to run on civilian mobile infrastructure: “What technologies are used?”
Johannes Schätzl, the digital policy spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, commented to the Handelsblatt that digital and security risks are often only intensely recognized once the relevant technology is deeply integrated into critical areas. He called for a firmer stance against unreliable equipment suppliers. While acknowledged that swapping out high-risk components would incur costs and potentially impact network expansion or existing structures, he argued, “Security cannot be provided for free”.
Konstantin von Notz, deputy chair of the Green parliamentary group, also demanded resolute action. He stated to the Handelsblatt that the drone defense architecture, which is largely a direct response to current Russian threats, “must be designed completely without Chinese components”. He added that the drone defense capabilities must be engineered in such a way that “no entry points are created within the system for untrustworthy actors”.
