The German Air Force is seeking to acquire advanced drone capabilities enabling targeted strikes deep within potential adversary territory, according to a report in “Handelsblatt”. The Luftwaffe has issued preliminary requirements to leading German defense contractors and emerging start-ups outlining the need for these “deep-strike” drones.
Three consortia are reportedly developing concrete concepts to meet the requirements. Airbus Defence has partnered with the U.S.-based start-up Kratos, while Rheinmetall has teamed up with drone specialist Anduril. The Munich-based start-up Helsing is also believed to be in contention.
While Helsing’s CEO, Gundbert Scherf, declined to confirm the company’s direct involvement when questioned by “Handelsblatt”, he acknowledged a focus on air dominance and bridging technological gaps. Unmanned systems, he stated, are central to those considerations. Although Helsing has been developing combat drones, it has not yet produced deep-strike capabilities.
The German Ministry of Defense has confirmed initial discussions concerning this area of capability. A spokesperson stated that while preliminary information exchanges have taken place, details regarding internal capability planning cannot be released at this time. A formal procurement process has not yet been initiated.
