Rheinmetall and Telekom plan to jointly develop a defense shield against drones and sabotage. The companies aim to work together to protect cities and critical infrastructure in Germany. The companies reached this agreement ahead of the upcoming AFCEA security technology trade show in Bonn.
The current geopolitical situation is bringing the protection of critical infrastructure (KRITIS) into sharp focus. Hybrid threats from sabotage or drone flights are steadily increasing. In this context, the companies are pooling their expertise.
The partners’ goal is to develop capabilities and technologies to counter a wide range of potential attacks on KRITIS sites – a so-called multi-threat protection approach. It encompasses technologies for cybersecurity as well as the physical protection of properties – also known as perimeter security. The companies plan to announce details of the collaboration at a later date.
Armin Papperger, Chairman of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall AG, says: “The threat posed by drones is highly digital. That is why their defense systems require a combination of sensors, effectors, and secure communication networks. Rheinmetall and Deutsche Telekom bring together precisely these capabilities.”
Sovereignty is achieved not only through discussion, but through action. Telekom is taking responsibility here: With our expertise in connectivity, cloud, and data analysis, we are taking drone defense to a new level. Together with Rheinmetall, we are thus strengthening sovereignty and doing our part to alleviate public concerns.
Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG
Since 2017, Telekom has been a system partner to government agencies and companies in the field of drone security. The Group has already secured critical infrastructure, properties, and major events against drones both in Germany and abroad. For example, 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 more suitable. Since 2017, the company has therefore 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 has incorporated them into its product portfolio. The company is continuously advancing its technical capabilities in drone defense and its sensor suite: Today, video, audio, radio frequency (RF), Remote ID, and drone radar sensors are used in customer projects.
Most drones on the market fly because a pilot operates the drone within visual range using a radio remote control. 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 detected by RF sensors. RF is considered a very common method in drone detection. RF sensors currently make more than 90% of all drones in low-altitude airspace detectable. The RF sensors used by Telekom operate passively. They do not transmit an active search signal. This allows them to be installed on cell towers without interfering with other sensitive mobile communications technology. According to Telekom’s customer experience, RF sensors mounted high on cell towers have proven particularly effective in densely built-up urban areas.
Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading systems providers in air defense—including in close-range and near-range applications. Effectors from the Düsseldorf-based technology group are currently in use in Ukraine as well as in the Middle East. In addition, Rheinmetall itself is a specialist in autonomous systems across all domains—on land, at sea, and in the air. These include drones and airborne reconnaissance systems, among others. Furthermore, the Group develops sensor and data processing technologies that are used in both civilian and security-related applications.
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 forward-looking technologies to protect maritime, civilian, and critical infrastructure. From a technical perspective, the Port of Hamburg is considered a particularly challenging environment: the various radio sources, maritime conditions, and dense infrastructure place high demands on detection systems. As a leading industry partner, Rheinmetall is contributing its expertise to this alliance to develop tailored solutions for complex threat scenarios, with the cooperation forming part of a supraregional security strategy.
A new challenge is posed by drones controlled via mobile networks. While the vast majority of pilots control drones using radio frequency (RF) and a remote control, the number of pilots using cellular networks to control drones is on the rise. Real-world applications both domestically and abroad show that both commercially available and homemade drones are increasingly being controlled via mobile networks. Telekom is collaborating with Helmut Schmidt University/University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (Uni-Bw) to research how these drones can be located.
In the future, the mobile network itself will become a sensor and a giant radar by detecting changes and anomalies in data traffic that indicate drone control or communication, thereby making drones visible to emergency responders, for example, in temporary no-fly zones. The basis for this is the 5G standalone high-performance network installed by Telekom on the Uni-Bw campus, which is based on Ericsson technology.
Controlling drones via mobile networks is not yet widespread in Germany. By law, pilots must keep their drone in sight at all times (line of sight). Those who control their drone from outside its line of sight often have commercial motives. For example, to inspect power lines or pipelines for damage. These pilots must apply to the authorities for permission to fly. Anyone who does not apply but still controls a drone via mobile phone is committing a criminal offense.
Drone flights in restricted areas are by no means a minor offense like a speeding ticket, but rather a dangerous interference with air traffic. The police issue repeated warnings, yet many continue to fly recklessly beyond the pilot’s line of sight, risking unexpectedly severe penalties. Telekom systems have already pinpointed prohibited drone flights on a large scale at the request of customers. This has enabled emergency responders to locate pilots quickly.
