Rheinmetall and Telekom report they plan to jointly develop a defence shield against drones and acts of sabotage. “The companies intend to work together to protect cities and critical infrastructure across Germany,” the companies say in a press release. “They reached this agreement ahead of the upcoming AFCEA security technology trade show in Bonn. The current geopolitical situation has placed the protection of critical infrastructure (KRITIS) in sharp focus. Hybrid threats from sabotage and drone activity are steadily increasing. In response, the companies are pooling their expertise.
“The partners aim to develop capabilities and technologies to counter a wide range of potential attacks on KRITIS sites—a multi-threat protection approach. This includes cybersecurity technologies as well as physical site protection, commonly referred to as perimeter security. Further details of the collaboration will be announced at a later date.”
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG, said: “The threat posed by drones is highly digital. This is why effective defence requires a combination of sensors, effectors, and secure communication networks. Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom bring together precisely these capabilities.”
Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG, said: “Sovereignty is achieved not only through discussion but through action. Telekom is taking responsibility: With our expertise in connectivity, cloud, and data analytics, we are elevating drone defence to a new level. Together with Rheinmetall, we are strengthening sovereignty and helping to alleviate public concerns.”
A new challenge arises from drones controlled via mobile networks, continues the press release. “While the vast majority of pilots use RF and a remote control, the number of drones operated via cellular networks is increasing. Real-world applications in Germany and abroad show that both commercially available and homemade drones are increasingly being controlled via mobile networks. Telekom is collaborating with Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (Uni-Bw: Universität der Bundeswehr) to research how these drones can be located.
“In the future, the mobile network itself will act as a sensor—a large-scale radar system—by detecting changes and anomalies in data traffic that indicate drone control or communication. This will make drones visible to emergency responders, for example in temporary no-fly zones. The basis for this is the 5G standalone high-performance network installed by Telekom on the Uni-Bw campus, based on Ericsson technology.”
For ore information
https://www.rheinmetall.com/en/media/news-watch/news/2026/05/2026-05-11-rheinmetall-and-telekom-are-collaborating-on-drone-defence-in-the-civilian-sector
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