Germany advances drone defence with Mercedes‑Benz partnership and national DFS network

Mercedes‑Benz and drone‑startup Tytan signed a memorandum of understanding at the International Air & Space Exhibition in Berlin to develop a vehicle‑based drone‑defence system called “Drone Defender.” The plan calls for adapting the G‑Class SUV and Sprinter van as platforms for airborne counter‑drone equipment, echoing the Bundeswehr’s use of the G‑Class for the “Wolf” vehicle. Mercedes‑Benz CEO Ola Källenius said Europe must strengthen its defence profile, and the company’s share price fell 1.12 % after the announcement.

Separately, the German air‑traffic control authority Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) is preparing a nationwide drone‑defence network in collaboration with defence contractor Hensoldt and telecom operator Deutsche Telekom. The “Aktionsplan Drohnen Deutschland” will deploy an AI‑driven platform that fuses data from mobile‑network masts, stationary detection sensors and existing systems at airports, power plants and military sites to create a unified air‑situation picture for both civilian and military use.