Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom are combining their defense and network expertise to create a national drone defense shield, responding to a surge in aerial security threats across Germany.
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2 German giants target drone threat with new defense shield
Defense contractor Rheinmetall AG and telecommunications firm Deutsche Telekom AG are partnering to develop a national drone defense shield, a direct response to rising security threats against Germany’s critical infrastructure.
“The threat posed by drones is highly digital. This is why effective defense requires a combination of sensors, effectors, and secure communication networks,” Rheinmetall Chief Executive Armin Papperger said.
The collaboration follows a series of drone incursions that forced the temporary closure of Munich's airport last year, alongside numerous sightings near military installations in other European Union countries that have raised alarms over potential espionage and sabotage. The German government has since pledged to tighten security laws to more rapidly detect and neutralize aerial threats.
For the companies, the partnership is a strategic move to establish a market-leading position as Germany prepares to increase spending on domestic security infrastructure. The announcement comes just a day before the AFCEA security technology trade show, signaling their intent to capture future government and corporate contracts.
A Network-Based Approach
The joint solution will merge Rheinmetall's expertise in defense hardware and sensors with Deutsche Telekom's vast telecommunications network. While radio-frequency (RF) sensors can effectively detect most commercially available drones that are flown by a nearby operator, a growing number of sophisticated drones are operated over long distances via cellular networks. These devices are difficult to distinguish from benign network traffic.
The partnership's innovative approach will use the mobile network itself as a sensor. By analyzing data traffic patterns, the system aims to identify anomalies associated with drone control signals, making them visible to security services for the first time.
Building on Experience
Neither company is new to the drone detection space. In December, Rheinmetall began a collaboration with the Hamburg port authority to develop protection for maritime and other civil infrastructure. Deutsche Telekom provided drone detection services for the police during the 2024 European soccer championship. By pooling their resources, the two firms aim to create a comprehensive, nationwide shield that can be offered to a range of clients, from airport operators to energy providers.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
[1] Germany’s Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom to Develop Drone Defense Shield - WSJ[2] Germany's Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom to Develop Drone Defense Shield[3] Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom Partner on German Drone Shield[4] Telekom and Rheinmetall join forces on drone defence shield for cities and infrastructure[5] Rheinmetall and Telekom partner on national drone defence shield
