Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom plan to jointly develop a defense system against drones and sabotage

 

The companies aim to protect cities and critical infrastructure in Germany. This agreement was reached ahead of the upcoming AFCEA security technology trade fair in Bonn.

 

The current geopolitical situation is bringing the protection of critical infrastructure (KRITIS) into sharp focus. Hybrid threats, such as sabotage or drone flights, are steadily increasing. In this context, companies are pooling their expertise.

 

The partners aim to develop capabilities and technologies to counter diverse attack vectors on critical infrastructure sites, a so-called multi-threat protection approach. This encompasses technologies for cybersecurity as well as the physical protection of properties – also known as perimeter security. The companies plan to release further details of the collaboration at a later date.

 

Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG: “The threat posed by drones is highly digital. Therefore, their defense requires a combination of sensors, effectors, and secure communication networks. Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom are pooling precisely these capabilities.”

 

Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG: “Sovereignty is not achieved through discussions alone, but through action. Telekom is taking responsibility here: With our expertise in connectivity, cloud computing, and data analysis, we are taking drone defense to a new level. Together with Rheinmetall, we are strengthening sovereignty and contributing to reducing public concerns.”

 

Telekom detects drone flights during the European Football Championship in Germany

Deutsche Telekom has been a system partner for authorities and companies in the field of drone security since 2017. The company has already secured critical infrastructure, properties, and major events against drones both domestically and internationally. For example, Deutsche Telekom successfully and reliably detected illegal drone flights on behalf of the police during the 2024 European Football Championship.

 

Drone detection and defense are technically complex. Depending on the location and terrain, different sensors are suitable. Therefore, since 2017, the company has tested various sensors from international manufacturers in customer projects and field tests at international and small regional airports, such as Tannheim in Baden-Württemberg, and incorporated them into its product range. The company is continuously developing its technical capabilities for drone defense and its sensor mix: Customer projects now utilize video, audio, radio frequency (RF), or remote ID sensors, as well as drone radar. 

 

RF detection proven in customer projects

Most drones on the market fly because a pilot operates them with a radio remote control within visual line of sight. Drones and remote controls communicate with each other on a radio frequency (RF). The radio signals from the remote control and the drone, and thus their position, can be determined by RF sensors. RF is a very common method for drone detection. RF sensors currently make more than 90% of all drones visible in the lower airspace. The RF sensors used by Telekom operate passively. They do not transmit an active search signal. Therefore, they can be installed on cell towers because they do not interfere with other sensitive mobile communication equipment. According to Telekom's customer experience, RF sensors mounted high on cell towers have proven particularly effective in densely populated urban areas.

 

Specialist in drone defense and drone production

Rheinmetall is one of the world's leading systems integrators for air defense – including short-range and near-field systems. Effectors from the Düsseldorf-based technology group are currently deployed in Ukraine and the Middle East. Furthermore, Rheinmetall itself specializes in autonomous systems across all domains: land, sea, and air. These include drones and airborne reconnaissance systems. The group also develops sensor and data processing technologies used in both civilian and security-related sectors.

 

In December 2025, Rheinmetall, the Hamburg Police, and the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) agreed on a strategic partnership to further develop drone detection and defense concepts in the Port of Hamburg. The focus is on the conceptual development of pioneering technologies for the protection of maritime, civilian, and critical infrastructure. From a technical perspective, the Port of Hamburg is considered a particularly challenging environment: the diverse radio sources, the maritime conditions, and the dense infrastructure place high demands on detection systems. As a leading industrial partner, Rheinmetall contributes its expertise to this alliance to develop tailored solutions for complex threat scenarios, with the cooperation being part of a supra-regional security strategy.

 

More and more drones are flying via mobile networks

A new challenge is posed by drones controlled via mobile networks. While the majority of pilots control drones using radio frequency (RF) and remote control, the number of pilots using mobile networks for drone control is increasing. Operational experience both domestically and internationally shows that both commercially available and self-built drones are being controlled more and more frequently via mobile networks. Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (Uni-Bw), is researching how these drones can be located. 

 

Mobile network becomes a giant radar

Here, the mobile network itself will become a sensor and giant radar, detecting changes and anomalies in data traffic that indicate drone control or communication, thus making drones visible to emergency services, for example, in temporary restricted airspace. This is based on the high-performance 5G standalone network installed by Telekom on the Uni-Bw campus, which is based on Ericsson technology.

 

Drone violations are serious interferences with air traffic

Controlling drones via mobile network is still not very common in Germany. By law, pilots must keep the drone in sight at all times. Those who fly their drones outside of this line of sight often have commercial intentions, such as inspecting power lines or pipelines for damage. These pilots must apply for permission from the authorities. Anyone who flies their drone via mobile network without applying is committing a criminal offense.

 

Drone flights in restricted areas are not a minor offense like speeding, but a dangerous interference with air traffic. Police repeatedly warn of this, yet many recklessly continue flying beyond the pilot's horizon, risking unexpectedly severe penalties. Telekom's systems, commissioned by clients, have already pinpointed numerous instances of prohibited drone flights, enabling law enforcement to quickly locate the pilots.