THE CRUNCH
Germany has reportedly banned commercially available Chinese-made drones from its military bases and training grounds with immediate effect, according to reports. The move reflects growing concern among Western militaries that Chinese-made technology could be used to transmit sensitive information to Beijing.
Der Spiegel reported that the drones were acquired by military units in recent years with limited oversight. Under a 2024 strategy, local commanders could buy systems from a "white list" of approved models, including several made by China-based DJI, the world's largest drone maker. Because there is no central record of purchases by individual units, the military has had to impose a blanket ban and is withdrawing the drones from service as quickly as possible. The defence ministry was not immediately available for comment.
The reported ban fits a wider pattern. Poland barred Chinese-made vehicles from its military facilities in February over concerns that onboard sensors could collect sensitive data, and the US military banned BYD electric vehicles from Kadena airbase in Japan, where a spokesperson called them an "unacceptable and unmitigable risk". Back in 2018, the US defence department banned Huawei and ZTE smartphones from its bases worldwide on similar grounds.