QinetiQ Germany Showcases Rheinmetall Delta B15 Drone, Paving the Way for Advanced Air Defence Training
QinetiQ Germany has reached an impressive milestone by successfully demonstrating the Rheinmetall Delta B15 target drone in Todendorf. This accomplishment represents a critical first step in the German Uncrewed Aerial Training Services (ATS) programme, an ambitious initiative designed to bolster the air defence capabilities of the German Armed Forces. The project arrives at a time when ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems are facing rapidly evolving threats, requiring swift advancements to maintain security readiness.
The Delta B15 drone is a sophisticated training asset that has been engineered to meet the rigorous needs of modern air defence units. Notably, the system has undergone updates to tackle emerging challenges, such as one-way attack drones like the SHAHED series, which have been increasingly used in asymmetric warfare scenarios. The Delta B15 is now equipped to provide robust and realistic training for air defence crews, ensuring operational systems remain sharp and effective against the latest aerial threats. Additionally, the drone's capabilities align with the operational requirements set by NATO and the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), reflecting its strategic significance on a broader defence stage.
The drone's specifications are noteworthy: the Delta B15 boasts high-speed performance and precision flight capabilities that make it a formidable target for advanced air defence exercises. It can simulate a wide range of threats, allowing for comprehensive training scenarios. With a flight endurance that enables extended mission profiles and a sophisticated sensor suite for tracking and monitoring, it provides unparalleled realism in defence drills. Its modular design further enhances versatility, as it can be equipped with payloads to mimic different threat systems.
Operational deployment of the Delta B15 is slated for 2025, when it will become a core component of Germany’s air defence training landscape. The drone’s versatility is also evident in ongoing plans to integrate it into naval operations, reflecting a commitment to cross-domain applicability within Germany’s military forces. Such plans illustrate the drone’s potential to play a crucial role in training both land and maritime defence units, making it an adaptable asset across multiple domains.
Matthias Grögor, QinetiQ Germany’s Head of Strategic Business Development, emphasised the forward-looking nature of this collaboration with Rheinmetall. “In cooperation with Rheinmetall, QinetiQ Germany can expand its market position in the relevant procurement programs of our customers in Germany. This means that we are actively preparing today for the arrival of newly procured weapon systems, always with an eye on current threats and an outlook to 2035.” His statement underscores how the programme not only addresses today’s challenges but also anticipates future defence needs.
Rheinmetall, a leading defence technology partner, brings considerable expertise to the project. Mark Robert Henning, CEO of Rheinmetall Technical Publications GmbH, stressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We are thankful to have been chosen by QinetiQ to supply the new target drones playing an active role in the European Sky Shield Initiative. We look forward to intensifying our collaboration in this field, based on our extensive experience in target solutions for ground-based air defence training on the one hand and unmanned systems on the other.” His remarks highlight the strategic partnership’s value in both enhancing current training capabilities and setting a foundation for future innovations.
The Delta B15 drone stands as a testament to continuous innovation in military training and threat response. As global aerial threats become more sophisticated, the need for advanced training platforms like the Delta B15 becomes ever more crucial. Both QinetiQ and Rheinmetall are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions, ensuring that German and allied forces remain well-equipped to handle present and future defence challenges. With these developments, the ATS programme not only promises to elevate Germany’s defence readiness but also contributes to broader European and NATO security frameworks.
