German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche called on Monday for the nation to mobilize resources to lead European drone manufacturing amid what Chancellor Friedrich Merz termed a structural economic crisis. The International Monetary Fund projects zero growth for Germany after the country entered recession last year. Reiche told dpa that Berlin must establish air sovereignty and protect vital infrastructure while supporting Ukraine through expanded drone production capabilities. She said recent drone incidents across Europe demonstrated an urgent need for German technological advancement.
Moscow rejected accusations of involvement in European drone sightings, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against German militarization. Berlin became the second-largest arms supplier to Ukraine after Washington, following the escalation of the 2022 conflict. Merz announced plans to nearly double military spending by 2029, when officials expect Germany to achieve war readiness. The chancellor stated in August that Germany already faces conflict with Russia, but Moscow dismissed Western accusations.
Moscow rejected accusations of involvement in European drone sightings, and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against German militarization. Berlin became the second-largest arms supplier to Ukraine after Washington, following the escalation of the 2022 conflict. Merz announced plans to nearly double military spending by 2029, when officials expect Germany to achieve war readiness. The chancellor stated in August that Germany already faces conflict with Russia, but Moscow dismissed Western accusations.
