Influenced by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the evolving security landscape, Germany’s decade-long debate over armed drones concluded in 2022 with the decision to arm the Heron TP. This article examines the potential use of armed Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAVs in countering Russian grey zone tactics in the Baltic region. It argues that, despite vulnerabilities in high-intensity warfare, UAVs like the Heron TP are well-suited for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid response in irregular conflict scenarios. Forward deployment to the Baltics could enhance responsiveness and deterrence, supporting NATO missions and demonstrating Germany’s commitment to collective defense in an increasingly unstable European security environment.
Author: Theo Hübner
Theo Hübner ist Bachelorabsolvent der Politikwissenschaft der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt. Er kam nach einem Freiwilligen Wehrdienst in der Bundeswehr ans PRIF. In seiner Zeit als Praktikant unter der Leitung von Frank Kuhn, beschäftigte er sich hauptsächlich mit dem Einsatz bewaffneter Drohnen in aktuellen Konflikten. // Theo Hübner has obtained his bachelor’s in political science from Goethe-University Frankfurt. He joined PRIF after completing a term of voluntary military service in the German Bundeswehr. In his time as an intern at PRIF under the supervision of Frank Kuhn, his primary focus was on the operational deployment of drones in recent conflicts.
