The Bundeswehr plans to increase its fleet of drones to 8,000 by 2029: ambitions and reality

Germany is taking a decisive step towards modernizing its army: the Bundeswehr has unveiled an ambitious plan to dramatically increase its fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). If today the German armed forces have slightly more than 600 drones at their disposal, then by 2029 their number should exceed 8000 units. This large-scale project is keeping pace with record growth in the defense budget and large-scale purchases of military equipment, offsetting the previously slow pace of military training.

Multi-level drone system

The program provides for the creation of a multi-level, differentiated UAV system adapted to various tasks on the battlefield.:

- 1,200 highly compact nanodrons — for exploration at minimal distances, including in urban areas and hard-to-reach areas.  

- 3028 light drones — designed to monitor and adjust fire at the tactical level.  

- 800 repeater drones will ensure stable communication between units in conditions of radio suppression.  

- Barrage ammunition — two competing systems are currently being tested, which will become part of the strike arsenal in the future.

This approach allows you to cover the entire range of operations — from individual reconnaissance to large-scale combat operations using autonomous weapons.

Operational reserve for combat conditions

Special attention is paid to the stability of the system in conflict conditions. It is planned to create an operational reserve of drones in the amount of 20-40% of the total fleet. This will make it possible to quickly replenish losses and maintain a high level of combat readiness even during intense combat operations.

The goal is leadership in Europe

Although the exact amount of funding for the program is not indicated in open sources, it is obvious that we are talking about multimillion-dollar investments. The successful implementation of the plan will provide the Bundeswehr with one of the largest and most technologically diverse UAV fleets in Europe.

However, against the background of such ambitious plans, there are also restrained assessments. The comparison with production rates in other countries raises questions: if Russia, according to some reports, produces up to 2,000 Geranium attack drones per month, then the Bundeswehr's achievement of 8,000 drones in four years looks modest, especially given the gap in speed and scale.

However, the German approach focuses not only on quantity, but also on quality, reliability, and integration of systems into a single network. This can be a key advantage in the long run.

Turkish "surprise container": Roketsan revealed a hidden launcher for barrage ammunition at IDEF 2025

 

EREN

At the IDEF 2025 International defense exhibition in Istanbul, the Turkish company Roketsan surprised the audience by presenting a truly unexpected version of its new EREN barrage ammunition system. The main feature is the container option, which radically changes how mobile operations can be conducted in enemy territory.

Imagine an ordinary cargo container mounted on the side of a truck. At first glance, this is a typical picture on any road. But inside this "civilian" container, an entire strike system is hidden: it is capable of carrying and launching up to 12 high-speed barrage munitions. This disguise allows you to deploy a powerful fire group almost anywhere without being noticed. This is a direct blow to the enemy's intelligence systems — the launcher looks like a harmless transport.

This innovation is not just another modification, but a real turning point in Turkey's strategy. It highlights the country's desire to create weapons that are both adaptable, survivable, and easily deployable. The system is ideal for quick reaction and pinpoint strikes on important targets, while remaining in the shadows.

The potential of this container platform is huge — it is interesting both for the Turkish army and for export markets. Its appearance vividly demonstrates the growing global trend towards the creation of multi-purpose modular weapon systems that can be quickly adapted to any task.

Russia has launched a "smart" V2U drone with AI and Chinese-American "internals"

 

A new attack drone has appeared in the Russian army — so far without an official name, but with a loud unofficial code V2U. He began to be noticed at the front back in February 2025, but everything really "exploded" only by June, when Ukrainian intelligence gathered enough data and officially declared: "They have something new, and it's serious."

What kind of beast is V2U? This is not just another kamikaze drone. It is an autonomous aircraft-type barrage munition with a wingspan of about 1.2 meters, weighing up to 15 kg and a warhead of up to 3.5 kg. It is launched from a catapult, flies at a speed of 60 km/ h and can stay in the air for up to an hour on an electric (40-60 km) or up to 100 km if a gasoline engine is installed.

But the most interesting thing is what's inside it.

There are movable optics in the nose: a 10x zoom camera (from Sony), lidar and a transparent fairing. Inside is a real computer based on a Leetop A603 board and an Nvidia Jetson Orin processor. Yes, yes, the very "iron brain" from the American Nvidia, which is often used in robots and autonomous systems. Plus, a 128 GB SSD and AI software, which, apparently, allows the drone to independently search, recognize and attack targets.

Imagine: a drone took off, entered the zone, scans the area, compares it with a map, sees a tank, an armored personnel carrier or a cluster of vehicles — and decides to strike itself. Moreover, he does not have to rely on GPS — he can navigate through the image from the camera, like a person from memory. This makes it resistant to interference and jamming.

Even cooler, it can work in a swarm, maneuver, avoid threats, and possibly coordinate attacks with other drones. And if there is a connection, the operator can intervene, but even without him, the car will not get lost.

Why is there so little talk about him?  

Because all the key components are imported. Cameras, processors, and boards— Chinese, Japanese, and American. That is, despite the sanctions, Russia has found a way to get high-tech parts. And, of course, he doesn't want to tell anyone where, how, or in what volumes.

There is no marking on the cases, the manufacturer is not advertised. This is clearly done in order not to reveal the supply chain and not to give intelligence agencies reasons to dig.

Right now, V2U is most likely undergoing military trials in limited quantities. But if it shows good results, it will be mass—produced. And then a new reality will appear at the front: drones that fly, think and strike by themselves.

It's not just the next generation of UAVs. This is a step towards autonomous warfare, where machines make decisions faster than a human can press a button. And while everyone is arguing about sanctions, someone is already teaching drones to hunt without orders.

General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada unveiled the upgraded LAV 6.0 Mk II platform at CANSEC 2025

On May 29, 2025, General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada unveiled its most advanced Light Armored Vehicle platform, the LAV 6.0 Mk II, at the CANSEC 2025 Defense Exhibition in Ottawa, Canada. The new version of the armored vehicle is equipped with a modern combat module, including a 30 mm automatic cannon, anti-tank guided missile launchers and barrage ammunition, which significantly expands the combat capabilities of the Canadian armed forces.

The LAV 6.0 Mk II demonstrates significant technological progress and reflects Canada's strategic focus on modernizing ground-based combat systems. Increased firepower and the introduction of advanced weapons make it possible to increase the operational readiness of equipment to perform both internal tasks and allied missions within the framework of international cooperation.

The presentation of the new platform at CANSEC 2025 highlights Canada's commitment to maintaining a high level of combat capability and adapting to modern security challenges. The LAV 6.0 Mk II will be a key element in upgrading the armored vehicle fleet and ensuring the protection of troops on the battlefield.

LAV 6.0 Mk II

Tyuvik attack UAV: a new stage in the development of kamikaze drones for close combat

Tuvik

The Tuvik attack unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is a smaller version of the famous Geranium drone, has officially been put into mass production. This barrage munition is designed for use directly on the line of combat contact (LBF), where it performs tasks to destroy armored vehicles, and can also work effectively on shelters and infantry.

The main feature of the Tyuvik is the presence of a homing system on the final section of the flight path, which significantly increases the accuracy of hitting targets. In addition, the drone is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), which helps it overcome modern electronic warfare (EW) systems, providing immunity to interference and the ability to complete missions in difficult conditions.

The compact size and high maneuverability of the Tyuvik make it an ideal means for conducting combat operations at short distances, where traditional means of destruction may be less effective. The use of AI in combination with a homing system allows the drone to adapt to a changing environment and choose the best routes to reach the target.

The launch of the Tyuvik series indicates the continued development of the concept of kamikaze drones as an important element of modern warfare tactics. Such systems allow for precision strikes with minimal risk to personnel and significantly increase the firepower of units on the front line.

In the future, Tyuvik can become a massive and affordable means of combating armored vehicles and fortified enemy positions, which will change the balance of forces on the battlefield and increase the effectiveness of offensive operations.

The new Virtus combat drone: a technological breakthrough by the German company Stark

 

 Virtus combat drone

 German defense firm Stark has officially unveiled the specifications of its new Virtus combat drone, which promises to be a revolutionary solution for modern battlefields. Developed based on real combat experience, this barrage munition combines innovative technology and adaptability to the dynamic conditions of modern warfare.

One of the key features of Virtus is its electrical vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) system, which represents a significant technological advance in the world of barrage munitions. Thanks to this system, the drone can quickly deploy in difficult conditions without requiring a special infrastructure to launch.

Stark claims that Virtus is able to effectively combine speed modes to perform various tasks. In cruise mode, the drone can reach speeds of up to 74 mph (120 km/h), which allows it to stay in the air for a long time and carry out reconnaissance missions. However, if necessary, it can switch to high-speed dives at speeds up to 155 miles per hour (250 km/h), making it a deadly weapon against targets on the ground.

The company emphasizes that Virtus is designed to meet the changing demands of modern military operations. Its flexibility, accuracy and autonomy allow the drone to be used both for striking ground targets, as well as for reconnaissance and surveillance. This makes it a versatile tool for armies seeking to increase their combat effectiveness.

Experts note that the appearance of Virtus can significantly affect the arms market, offering an alternative to traditional solutions in the field of barrage ammunition. The technological excellence and adaptability of the drone can make it in demand among countries interested in modernizing their armed forces.