Germany approves Patriot and net-launching UAV procurements

Patriot system in Poland. (Bundeswehr/Jane Schmidt)

The budget committee of the Bundestag, Germany's parliament, approved funding for Patriot firing units and maintenance containers for the air defence system, net-launching unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and radios for the NH90 helicopter on 14 October 2026, the German Ministry of Defence (BMVg) announced in a press release later the same day.

The BMVg identified a Bundeswehr requirement for countering mini and micro UAVs, including those used for reconnaissance and sabotage. It noted that net-launching UAVs employed together with jammers and detection radars have proven effective in protecting property, even in urban areas.

According to the BMVg, the Bundeswehr is expanding its counter-UAV capabilities, with the implementation of defensive measures for all ranges and target classes or testing and procurement of equipment, including for short-range and very short-range UAV operations. The ministry said rapid reaction elements for UAV defence have been established in all branches of the Bundeswehr to protect objects or activities and have supported Germany's neighbours Belgium and Denmark in countering UAVs.

The Bundestag budget committee approved funding to replace Patriot firing units transferred to Ukraine in 2025. They will be replaced through the US Foreign Military Sales programme.

The budget committee also approved funding for the production and delivery of maintenance containers to ensure repairs and the operational readiness of Patriot surface-to-air missile groups.

Radios for encrypted tactical communications between NH90 helicopters and ground stations or other aircraft will be called off from an existing contract.

For more, please see:

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