BERLIN: The German military has banned the use of Chinese drones for training purposes and is replacing them with European models, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.

Citing the need for data and IT security, the ministry said that “Chinese-made models will no longer be used… and existing systems will be replaced by products from domestic or, where applicable, European sources”.

News magazine Der Spiegel had first reported on the decision, based on worries the drones could transmit data on military exercises, training grounds or weapons systems to Chinese intelligence services. The ministry said the armed forces, the Bundeswehr, had used “inexpensive, off-the-shelf drones for training purposes” such as target practice, buying them “with minimal bureaucratic effort”.

“To strengthen the Bundeswehr’s self-sufficiency and technological sovereignty, Chinese-made models will no longer be used for target or training purposes,” its statement said. The development comes with growing concern in Europe about the use of Chinese-made technologies in sensitive sectors, as authorities warn of “hybrid threats” from both Russia and China.

According to Der Spiegel, the Bundeswehr has also restricted vehicles from Chinese companies such as BYD, Geely and NIO from entering barracks and other facilities due to serious security concerns. Soldiers who own Chinese models must now park them outside the barracks and enter on foot, the magazine reported.

The ministry confirmed that certain types of vehicles are barred from entering high-security military areas, without specifying whether Chinese models were included on the list. “All sensors in a vehicle that are suitable for surveillance” can pose a threat to military security, it added, highlighting cameras, radar, microphones and data transmission systems.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2026