The media reported problems with equipping the German Armed Forces brigade in Lithuania with drones

Deliveries of kamikaze drones to the brigade of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany, scheduled for 2027, may not be carried out due to problems with all prospective suppliers of weapons. This was reported on November 6 by Der Spiegel magazine with reference to a confidential internal Bundeswehr report.

"The procurement department believes that the planned equipping of the Bundeswehr brigade in Lithuania with new kamikaze drones by early 2027 is under serious threat," the material says.

It clarifies that three companies — Stark, Helsing and Rheinmetall — have faced serious delays and technical problems in the supply of kamikaze drones. In particular, Stark and Helsing are behind schedule, and field tests have revealed "technical problems and shortcomings." In addition, the Rheinmetall Raider drone is at the prototype stage, and its development is causing "uncertainty about the planning status."

The German Ministry of Defense plans to purchase up to 12,000 drones worth €942 million, dividing the contract between three companies, but, according to sources, the procurement process has faced delays. The contracts are due to be concluded by the end of November, but due to current difficulties, consideration of the €25 million proposal in the Bundestag Budget Committee in 2025 is becoming "unrealistic."

Helsing declined to comment on the situation, while Stark expressed confidence that they would be able to deliver a certified system by 2027. The Bundeswehr, in turn, noted that they do not believe that the equipment of the brigade in Lithuania is under threat by the beginning of 2027.

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Earlier, on November 4, it was reported that a scandal broke out in Belgium over the supply of American F-35 fighter jets, which turned out to be too expensive to maintain, overly noisy and excessive for a small country. The reason for the first wave of criticism was the speech of Defense Minister Theo Franken in parliament.

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