The Drone with a Net

On October 15, 2026, the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology, and Utilization of the German Armed Forces (BAAINBw) signed a contract for the procurement of net-launching drone systems (NWDS). In the future, these systems are intended to intercept unauthorized drones and thereby improve the protection of German Armed Forces facilities both in Germany and abroad. The first systems are scheduled to be delivered as early as 2027.
The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag had approved the procurement on October 14, 2026. The decision was prompted by the growing threat posed by small and micro drones, which can be used, among other things, to spy on military facilities or for sabotage attempts.

Drone Defense Using Nets Instead of Shooting Them Down

A particular challenge in drone defense is protecting bystanders. Especially in densely populated areas, countering drones can pose additional risks due to falling debris. This is where the new systems come into play: They can capture intruding drones using a fired net. The intercepted drones are then deposited at a predetermined location. This reduces the risk posed by drones falling uncontrollably. At the same time, the captured drones can then be examined.

Automated target acquisition and controlled interception process

The systems use ground-based reconnaissance assets and onboard sensors to detect and track drones. The subsequent interception process takes place after authorization by an operator. Depending on the operational situation, the net-launching drone can track a target or be deployed along a predetermined defense line to intercept even rapidly approaching drones.
The net-launching drones complement existing drone defense measures and can be deployed in conjunction with other systems, such as detection radars and jammers.

Greater Protection for Military Facilities

The new systems are intended in particular to protect Bundeswehr properties, locations of allied armed forces in Germany, and Bundeswehr bases abroad. In addition, they are suitable for protecting sensitive events and critical infrastructure.
With this procurement, the Bundeswehr is expanding its capabilities to respond to threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. The net-launching drones thus make a further contribution to protecting military facilities from espionage and sabotage.

BUNDESWEHR online