Germany, US to develop unified drone control system for Ukraine

Germany's largest defense company, Rheinmetall, has announced a partnership with U.S.-based Auterion, a software development firm, to create a unified control system for managing various types of drones used by Ukrainian forces, according to the Financial Times.

As part of this collaboration, Rheinmetall will integrate its drones with Auterion's operating system, enabling a shared architecture for drones from different manufacturers. Auterion CEO Lorenz Meier stated that adopting a unified standard will ensure efficient interaction among autonomous systems. Auterion's operating system is already in use with Ukrainian drones.

"In a general shift from manned to unmanned systems, it is crucial that the autonomous systems can talk to each other. AuterionOS allows the customer to combine all drones on a common basis and to integrate different manufacturers into a common architecture," Meier said.

Importance for NATO

The initiative holds strategic value for NATO. Meier noted that joint military operations among alliance members could face challenges without a unified communication standard. Rheinmetall and Auterion hope their efforts will encourage allies to adopt a single standard.

Context of the Ukraine war

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has accelerated the development of drones and autonomous systems. Over 200 drone models are currently in use in Ukraine, but their coordination requires significant resources.

"The development of a homogeneous operating system will enable the efficient and scalable deployment of unmanned systems," said Rheinmetall's Chief Digital Officer Timo Haas.

Military prospects

Rheinmetall, which makes tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and drones, is actively adapting to changes in military technology, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. According to Armin Papperger, CEO of the concern, the use of AI will enable soldiers to make more accurate and strategic decisions on the battlefield.

• The company's first plant in Ukraine is operational, with a second nearing completion. Rheinmetall is also planning to build two additional factories for ammunition and gunpowder production.