Germany news: Bundestag passes major drone deal
Deutsche Welle
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Germany's Bundestag has approved a major drone deal aimed at bolstering national defense and deterring Russia. The agreement, worth an initial €536 million, involves outfitting Germany's military with thousands of domestically produced combat drones, including advanced loitering munitions capable of targeted attacks. These systems are set to be deployed in Lithuania by 2027 as part of NATO's efforts to strengthen eastern European defenses. While the deal was scaled down from initial Defense Ministry requests, it received backing from the governing Union and SPD parties, though critics, including the Greens and Left Party, raised concerns over the involvement of U.S. investor Peter Thiel in Stark Defence, a company tied to far-right political funding.
The drone deployment is part of a broader push to modernize Germany's military capabilities, particularly for the Bundeswehr brigade stationed in Lithuania. The deal highlights growing tensions with Russia and Germany's commitment to NATO's eastern flank. Rheinmetall, a major defense contractor, has also expanded its presence in the Baltic region, further boosting NATO's defensive posture.
Meanwhile, political developments in Berlin took center stage as the far-right AfD surged to second place in recent polls ahead of the September state election. This rise underscores the shifting political landscape in Germany, with traditional parties struggling to maintain dominance. The potential for new alliances and coalitions is now a key focus for political analysts.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to China signals Germany's ongoing efforts to strengthen international partnerships amid geopolitical shifts. While there, he is likely to discuss issues ranging from trade to security cooperation, reflecting the broader strategy of aligning with global powers to counterbalance emerging challenges.
Finally, in a lighter note, prosecutors dropped charges against a Facebook user who referred to Merz as "Pinocchio." The case was dismissed due to free speech protections, highlighting the ongoing debate over political rhetoric and its implications for public discourse.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 2/25/2026