Bundeswehr Signs Net-Drone Framework Reported at €1.1 Billion With 2023 Startup ARGUS
Germany's procurement office signed a seven-year deal for net-launching interceptors to stop spy and sabotage drones over its bases, a framework hartpunkt values at more than €1.1 billion for a company founded in 2023.
Germany's procurement office signed a seven-year deal for net-launching interceptors to stop spy and sabotage drones over its bases, a framework hartpunkt values at more than €1.1 billion for a company founded in 2023.
Germany's military procurement office, BAAINBw, signed a contract Oct. 15 with ARGUS Interception for net-launching drone systems to protect Bundeswehr sites at home and abroad, the agency announced.
The seven-year framework is worth more than €1.1 billion and allows call-offs of about 450 complete systems of interceptor drones and reconnaissance sensors, hartpunkt reported. A first call-off worth about €165 million covers a mid-double-digit number of systems. The agency's statement names neither value nor quantity, and a Bundeswehr spokeswoman declined to give dpa figures, citing military and operational security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Bundeswehr buy?
Net-launching drone systems to protect its sites at home and abroad. The procurement office BAAINBw signed the contract with ARGUS Interception on Oct. 15, 2026.
How much is the contract worth?
The Bundeswehr has not said. hartpunkt reported a seven-year framework worth more than €1.1 billion for about 450 systems, with a first call-off of about €165 million due in 2027.
How does the A1-Falke stop a drone?
It flies at a detected drone and catches it with a net. The intercept runs automatically, but a human operator approves or aborts it, according to hartpunkt.
Why use nets instead of shooting drones down?
Netting reduces the danger of falling debris, works in urban areas and keeps the captured drone for investigation, per the Defence Ministry and hartpunkt.
Who is ARGUS Interception?
A company in Rotenburg an der Wümme, Lower Saxony, founded in 2023 by former Bundeswehr officers. German federal and state police also use its A1-Falke.
AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. More on our AI guidelines.
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Marcus Schuler
Marcus Schuler edits BattlePolicy, a daily defense-technology brief connecting the companies and capabilities behind modern war to the contest among Europe, the US, Russia, and China.