Tag: Christian Freuding

Germany May Mandate Lithuania Brigade Duty

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has pledged that Germany's armoured brigade in Lithuania will be fully operational with 4,800 soldiers by the end of 2027, saying he would compel troops to serve on NATO's eastern flank if not enough volunteers came forward in specialist areas | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Germany says its new brigade in Lithuania will be fully operational by 2027. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said most troops are expected to volunteer, but compulsory assignments may be used to fill specialist roles.

German MPs Approve €540M Drone Buy

HX-2 AI Strike Drone | Image: Helsing

Germany’s parliament has approved €540 million to buy kamikaze drones for the army, with more funding possible. The systems, shaped by lessons from Ukraine, will first equip Germany’s Lithuania Brigade.

German military to form six kamikaze drone units

Soldiers depart the event carrying German flags on March 14, 2025 in Berlin | File Photo: Hannes P. Albert/dpa

The German military plans to create six new units to operate kamikaze drones by 2029, with plans for a data-driven, AI-enabled battlefield. The Bundeswehr is testing loitering munitions and aims to field its first medium-range battery by 2027, with further long-range systems to follow.