German military bans Chinese-made drones for training

Germany's defence ministry said the Bundeswehr has banned Chinese-made drones for target and training use and will replace existing systems with domestic or European products, citing data and IT security.

The ministry said the German military had used inexpensive, off-the-shelf drones for training, including target practice. It said Chinese-made models would no longer be used to strengthen the Bundeswehr's self-sufficiency and technological sovereignty.

Der Spiegel first reported the decision and said officials were concerned that drones could transmit data on exercises, training grounds or weapons systems to Chinese intelligence services. The ministry did not state that such data transfers had occurred.

Der Spiegel also reported that the Bundeswehr had restricted vehicles from Chinese companies such as BYD, Geely and NIO from entering barracks and other facilities. The ministry confirmed that certain vehicle types are barred from high-security military areas but did not specify whether Chinese models were included.

The decision comes as European authorities warn about hybrid threats from Russia and China and as Germany increases investment in unmanned aerial vehicles after observing their role in Ukraine.