On August 13, 2025, Loyal magazine reported that the German Bundeswehr has unveiled plans to expand its current inventory of just over 600 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to more than 8,000 by 2029. This marks one of the largest capability build-ups in recent years and signals a decisive shift toward making drones a core element of future operations.
The planned expansion spans a wide range of platforms—from nano-drones for close-range reconnaissance in urban, forested, and complex terrains, to loitering munitions capable of delivering precision strikes. The procurement plan includes 1,200 nano-drones, 3,028 mini-UAS for short-range surveillance (potential successors to the ALADIN and FALKE systems), and around 800 drones equipped with communication relay capabilities to maintain secure links across dispersed units. Two loitering munition systems are currently undergoing trials to determine the primary operational choice.
Approved by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, Germany’s formal drone strategy adopts flexible contracting and continuous procurement cycles, enabling rapid integration of technological advances. The plan also calls for maintaining an operational reserve equal to 20–40% of the total fleet, ensuring swift replacement of losses and readiness during high-intensity conflicts.
If implemented as planned, the Bundeswehr will possess one of Europe’s largest and most diverse military drone fleets by 2029, enhancing surveillance reach, speeding up target acquisition, and adding precision-strike capability. These improvements will strengthen Germany’s operational independence, bolster NATO’s eastern flank, and provide the ability to operate effectively in a distributed, network-enabled combat environment.
