Telekom and Rheinmetall Develop Drone Defense System

Deutsche Telekom and defense contractor Rheinmetall have announced a partnership to develop a drone defense system. The aim is to protect cities and critical infrastructures in Germany. The planned protection concept combines aspects of cybersecurity with physical defense measures to secure properties and events. Telekom brings its extensive experience in drone security to the collaboration. Since 2017, the company has been working with various authorities and companies to protect critical infrastructures against drone attacks.

During the UEFA Euro 2024, Telekom successfully detected illegal drone flights, although details regarding the defense measures were not disclosed. A central component of Telekom's drone security strategy is the RF sensors, which detect radio signals from drones and their remote controls. These sensors make over 90 percent of all drones in the lower airspace visible. The RF sensors operate passively, meaning they do not emit an active search signal and thus do not cause interference in existing mobile networks. Telekom is testing various sensors from international manufacturers at airports, including video, audio, and radio frequency sensors, as well as drone radar.

Particularly in urban areas, the RF sensors mounted high on cell towers have proven effective. These sensors are crucial as more and more drones are controlled via mobile networks, presenting new challenges for detection. To address these challenges, Telekom is collaborating with the Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg. This partnership aims to incorporate knowledge about mobile networks and digital applications into the development of defense strategies. The research focuses on how to identify and counter drones that are controlled via mobile networks.

Rheinmetall contributes its expertise in the development of air defense systems to the partnership. The company has experience in developing defense technologies, including jamming signals and interceptor drones. The development of laser systems for drone defense is also being considered to enhance the effectiveness of the defense system. The exact details of the collaboration between Telekom and Rheinmetall have not yet been disclosed. However, both companies emphasize the need to develop innovative solutions to combat the growing threat posed by drones.

The security situation in Germany necessitates new approaches to protect critical infrastructures. The development of the new drone defense system occurs against the backdrop of increasing drone activities in urban areas and at large events. Telekom and Rheinmetall aim to create a comprehensive defense system that includes both technical and strategic components. The first prototypes could be tested in the coming months. The collaboration between Telekom and Rheinmetall is part of a larger trend in the security industry that responds to the need to integrate modern technologies to counter threats. The development of drone defense systems is considered crucial to ensuring safety in Germany. According to Rheinmetall, the first tests of the new system are planned for the third quarter of 2026.