Germany reportedly bans Chinese drones at military bases over security concerns

Germany has reportedly banned commercially available Chinese-made drones from military bases and training grounds, citing concerns that they could transmit sensitive information to Beijing. The move highlights growing unease among Western militaries about connected technology and the potential risks to security at sensitive sites.

The ban takes immediate effect, and units are to withdraw the drones as quickly as possible, Der Spiegel reported. Local commanders had been able to buy some models, including DJI drones, under a 2024 approved-systems strategy, but the military reportedly lacks a central record of purchases. Other countries have imposed restrictions on Chinese vehicles at military sites, while European lawmakers have called for an assessment of whether BYD cars pose a security risk; BYD says data cannot be remotely accessed from China.