Bundeswehr procures loitering munition, and together with Latvia and Norway, anti-tank mines

General Carsten Breuer being shown a small UAV at a conference on UAV technology. (Bundeswehr)

The Bundeswehr is procuring loitering munition, and together with Latvia and Norway, anti-tank mines. Two contracts for “a large number” of loitering munition have been signed, preceded by the signing of a multilateral agreement in Brussels on 9 April, according to the Bundeswehr website.

Procurement of loitering munition was described by the Bundeswehr on its website on 17 April as heralding a new era, with German combat troops receiving a large number of loitering munition early on, testing the systems, incorporating them into their tactics, and providing feedback. A year of comprehensive testing is planned to begin in 2025, with the Bundeswehr leadership deciding from the results to procure a larger number of systems or possibly considering additional suppliers or alternative systems.

Presenting procurement plans on 3 April, Generalinspekteur der Bundeswehr (armed forces defence chief) General Carsten Breuer described loitering munition as a game changer in modern warfare. “Drones represent a key capability that must be considered to increase the effectiveness and sustainability of modern armed forces,” he said.

Advantages/disadvantages

The Bundeswehr listed the advantages of loitering munition as quick reaction and precision, as well as longer range than artillery shells, and being cheaper and easier to produce and employ than unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It noted disadvantages of loitering munition and UAVs in terms of speed, protection, and susceptibility to weather conditions.

It therefore sees them as an element of combined arms combat and deterrence, along with armour, artillery, combat aircraft, and warships. The German-led NATO Multinational Brigade being built up in Lithuania will be the first formation to receive a complete package of loitering munition procured by the Bundeswehr.

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