Kamikaze drones for the Bundeswehr: concerns about US investor Thiel

Kamikaze whisperer Defence Minister shares skepticism about US investor Thiel

2026-02-19 Source: Press release | Translated by AI 1 min Reading Time

With regard to the purchase of so-called kamikaze drones for the Bundeswehr, Boris Pistorius also expressed concerns when it comes to US investor Thiel.

Better not ? The drones from Stark Defence can also carry out kamikaze actions. But there are concerns about the Bundeswehr purchasing the systems. It could be that the US investor Thiel could have too much influence over the company ...(Image: SD) — Better not ? The drones from Stark Defence can also carry out kamikaze actions. But there are concerns about the Bundeswehr purchasing the systems. It could be that the US investor Thiel could have too much influence over the company ...
(Image: SD)

The Bundeswehr is testing kamikaze drones, also known as lurking munitions. These are drones that circle over the target area for a longer period of time and then strike on human command when a worthwhile object is found. The focus is on the manufacturers Stark Defence and Helsing. However, according to Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, the influence Thiel has on Stark Defence must first be clarified before kamikaze drones can be purchased. If Thiel's influence extends to the operational business - i.e. if it has blocking minorities in any form whatsoever - then we are talking about a different quality than if Thiel is only a shareholder in the 1-digit percentage range, Pistorius said during a visit to the Special Forces Command (KSK) in Calw.

Thiel's closeness to President Trump raises doubts

The SPD politician also announced that the defence committee would be asked questions about the providers' pricing at a meeting next week. It is about new models of contracts that would bring more flexibility into play. The defence committee has concerns about the influence of Thiel, who holds a single-digit percentage stake in Stark Defence. Thiel is also known for his libertarian and right-wing conservative positions. Added to this is his proximity to US President Donald Trump, who is known to criticise liberal democracies. The kamikaze drones are intended to enable the Bundeswehr to open a new chapter in combat on the battlefield. Germany is also years behind other countries when it comes to developing drones as weapons. Delays were caused by political concerns expressed in earlier years, particularly by the SPD and the Greens.

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