Bundestag committees are set to approve the procurement of combat drones for the Bundeswehr next week. Despite concerns over quality, price, and US investor Peter Thiel's involvement, Defense Committee Chairman Thomas Röwekamp advocates for quick awarding. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius shares the concerns and calls for clarification on Thiel's influence.
In Berlin, Thomas Röwekamp (CDU), Chairman of the Bundestag's Defense Committee, has advocated for the quick procurement of combat drones by the Bundeswehr. He considers concerns about the provider Stark Defence due to US billionaire Peter Thiel's involvement unfounded. "Regarding the procurement of drones for the Bundeswehr proposed by the ministry, there are still open questions about price, quantity, and technical capabilities," Röwekamp told the RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND). He added: "These can be clarified in the usual parliamentary process."
Röwekamp emphasized the urgency: "The procurement is urgent because we need the drone capability as quickly as possible for Germany's defense capability in response to Russia's daily warfare in Ukraine - and especially for the protection of our brigade under construction in Lithuania." He argued that awarding the contract directly to companies with market-available offers is correct and that the minor investor involvement is of secondary importance.
The Defense and Budget Committees are to approve next week the delivery of 'Loitering Munition' from startups Stark Defence and Helsing worth around 600 million euros, with expected follow-on orders. There are concerns because Stark Defence's drones are more expensive than Helsing's and the systems are reportedly not qualitatively mature. Additionally, Thiel's proximity to US President Donald Trump and his anti-democratic statements are criticized.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) explicitly shared concerns about Thiel during a troop visit on Tuesday. "So, if he has influence on the operational business, blocking minorities, in whatever form, then we're talking about a different quality than if he is, for example, a shareholder in the single-digit percentage range but has no influence on the operational business," Pistorius said. According to 'Manager Magazin,' Thiel holds single-digit percentage shares; the company has not commented.
'Loitering Munition' refers to drones with warheads that can loiter over a target area and attack via data link. Germany lags years behind other states in drone weapons, due to past political concerns from SPD and Greens.
