"Germany needs many drone pilots and flexible production capacities."
"Attack drones have long since become the most effective killing devices, even on the front lines.
According to Western estimates, they are currently responsible for up to 80 percent of all battlefield losses in Ukraine.
These figures inevitably lead to the question: What conclusions should we – and the German army Bundeswehr – draw from this? Not without reason, many complain that we are years behind developments in Germany (due to unrealistic debates in the past).
FPV drones are fast and maneuverable "racing drones" that can be held in one hand. Even at the beginning of the Ukraine events in February 2022, they played no role on the battlefield. In the first year of the war, soldiers on both sides began to tinker.
They mounted explosive devices, initially warheads from rocket-propelled grenades, on FPV drones purchased from China.
The maneuverable aircraft proved to be a precise killing tool. However, the drones' range was limited, and radio communications were easily jammed. After a few months, night vision cameras were added. Pilots could now hunt in the dark. Today, drones no longer just swoop down on enemy vehicles or positions. They are part of air defense. FPV drones bring down expensive – model airplane-sized – surveillance drones.
The most important development, however, only began last summer: The Russians began using fiber-optic cable-controlled FPV drones – for example, in the defense against the Ukrainian offensive in Kursk. The millimeter-thin, kilometer-long cable is wound on a spool like fishing line, which is attached to the drone. A radio signal cannot be jammed because there is no longer one. Therefore, the defense relies on rudimentary measures: supply routes are covered with nets, and soldiers carry shotguns to shoot the deadly "birds" out of the sky.
Given the rapid pace of development, Germany should resist the temptation to procure large numbers of small drones. The evolution of aircraft is progressing far too quickly for that, and in the future, this will also be supported by artificial intelligence.
A "first-generation" FPV drone, which was still an effective weapon in early 2023, is worthless today.
The training of thousands of drone pilots, however, is essential for credible deterrence. The word "pilot" seems exaggerated; beginners can control FPV drones after just a few weeks. Such flying skills are more important than rifle marksmanship in a large-scale conventional war – for which NATO must prepare.
In drone warfare, quantity beats quality. Russia is currently capable of directing hundreds of large attack drones against Ukrainian cities every night. Another goal is to oversaturate the country's air defenses. The Ukrainians produced more than a million drones last year. In this country, we should initially rely on Ukrainian companies. Their drones are tested daily under combat conditions and improved in consultation with soldiers. The biggest challenge could be creating flexible production capacities.
The French army is currently testing a mobile microfactory that can produce drones directly on the front lines. Using several 3D printers, up to ten drones per hour are manufactured autonomously. This enables a steady local supply without industrial supply chains. Ideally, without any Chinese components at all.” [1]
"Given the rapid pace of drone development, Germany should resist the temptation to procure large numbers of small drones. The evolution of aircraft is progressing far too quickly for that, and in the future, this will also be supported by artificial intelligence." Does Germany need thousands of drone pilots if AI is taking over today?
1. Die Drohnenevolution nicht verschlafen. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung; Frankfurt. 10 June 2025: 1. Von Robert Putzbach
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