German army chief says new drone regiment fully operational by 2029

The German military's new drone regiment is to be fully operational by 2029, army chief Christian Freuding told dpa. 

The unit, entirely focused on unmanned systems, will consist of five or six companies with different capabilities, the lieutenant general said in Berlin.

One company is to be capable of engaging enemies at close range. There will also be a company for weapons deployment at ranges of over 500 kilometres, depending on what technology is available on the market.

Freuding also mentioned a company for electronic warfare and a drone defence company.

"And then I want us to have our own test and trials company within the regiment's structures, so that we can handle further development, testing, trials and operations from a single source," Freuding said.

Unmanned systems could be integrated deeply into the existing arms structure of the military, or set up as an independent unit, he said.

"I am convinced that both approaches are promising. And that is why we have decided to also pursue the path of an independent regiment," he said.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced the establishment of the new unit on Thursday. Initial operational capability is to be reached in 2027, with around 350 men and women at that point. The unit is then to grow to 600 soldiers.