Germany banned Chinese drones from its military due to espionage risk: it will replace them with European models

A drone during a day of German army training at a military base in Munster, Germany, April 30, 2026. (Photo archive: REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer) Germany's Ministry of Defense confirmed this Wednesday that the army will stop using Chinese-made drones, even for training, and will replace them with national or European models for data security reasons. The decision stems from fears that the devices transmit information about exercises, training grounds, or weapon systems to Chinese intelligence services. "Chinese-made models will no longer be used (...) and existing systems will be replaced by products of national or, where appropriate, European origin," the ministry said in a statement, citing "data and IT security." The ministry explained that the armed forces, the Bundeswehr, had used "cheap, off-the-shelf drones for training purposes," and that they purchased them "with minimal bureaucratic process." "To strengthen the self-sufficiency and technological sovereignty of the Bundeswehr, Chinese-made models will no longer be used for target or training purposes," it pointed out. A specialized device knocks down a drone during the defense exercise "Red Storm Charlie" in Hamburg, Germany, September 24, 2026. (Photo archive: REUTERS/Jonas Walzberg) According to Der Spiegel, which reported yesterday, all barracks received the order a few weeks ago not to use small drones from Chinese manufacturers such as DJI, the world's largest commercial drone company. The devices are banned in barracks and training grounds and must be removed as soon as possible. The ministry did not want to specify how many Chinese drones the army bought since 2024, considering it information that affects military security. According to Spiegel, experts estimate there are now several thousand, purchased by local commanders. In 2024, as part of a drone purchasing strategy, the army compiled a "whitelist" of suitable models, including DJI. The purchase was controversial from the start because it could not be guaranteed that there would be no flow of information to Beijing, and the urgency of filling the army's gaps in that technology was decided, relegating security considerations. A German army soldier is on guard at the port of Hamburg during the defense exercise "Red Storm Charlie," September 24, 2026. (Photo archive: REUTERS/Jonas Walzberg) Spiegel also reported that the army imposed extensive restrictions on Chinese cars. A list of models from manufacturers such as BYD, Geely, and NIO that will not be allowed into security zones is circulating. Soldiers who own cars of those brands must park outside the barracks and enter on foot, due to fears that cameras and sensors might record sensitive data and transmit it to Chinese security agencies. The ministry did not confirm this measure in its statement about drones. Norwegian military personnel recently verified that rented Chinese cars had recorded important information during a maneuver. This occurred during a security exercise at Oslo Airport, between September 14 and 18, involving at least two Deepal cars, from the Chinese state manufacturer Changan, rented from Hertz Norway. The videos showed who was entering and leaving, routes, and codes for opening doors at military facilities. The Norwegian army rejected a general ban on Chinese vehicles, considering it disproportionate.