Germany’s army will create its first dedicated drone regiment, with the new unit expected to reach full operational readiness by 2029. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius unveiled the plan at the Bergen training area in Lower Saxony, where the Bundeswehr said the regiment will consolidate unmanned capabilities for reconnaissance, effects and drone defence.
The formation is planned to begin building up in 2027 and is expected to reach an initial operational phase that year before expanding to around 600 soldiers over the following two years. Heeresinspekteur Christian Freuding said the regiment will comprise several companies with different specialisations, including electronic warfare. The unit is also intended to cover a wide range of systems, from short-range drones to longer-range platforms, with loitering munitions among the capabilities to be integrated.
The project reflects lessons drawn from the war in Ukraine, where unmanned systems have become central to battlefield operations. The regiment is expected to be part of the army’s wider effort to accelerate the use of drones across the force, while the exact stationing and final subordination remain open.