Germanys Heron Drone in Israel: Two Israeli-made Heron drones, leased by Germany for military operations, remain in Israel and are reportedly being used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This revelation has sparked debate, especially considering that the German government continues to pay for these drones, despite having no current access to them.Germanys military leasing agreementThe drones, part of a fleet leased by Germany in 2018 during the leadership of then-Chancellor Angela Merkel, were acquired to enhance the Bundeswehrs reconnaissance and target acquisition capabilities. The Heron TP drones are advanced models, capable of carrying weapons and conducting surveillance operations. These drones were set to be a crucial part of Germanys military modernization efforts, and soldiers were receiving training on them in Israel.However, with the escalation of conflict following the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, 2023, the situation shifted. In a show of solidarity with Israel, Germany allowed the IDF to use the drones, with the German Ministry of Defense stating that the transfer was a part of their broader military support to Israel.Germany continues to pay lease feesThough Germany no longer has access to the drones, reports suggest that the country is still paying for them under the original lease agreement. The contract, valued at approximately €1 billion ($1.1 billion), remains active. This was confirmed through a freedom of information request, revealing that the agreement, despite the shift in operational control, continues to financially bind Germany.International concerns raisedThe use of these drones in the current Gaza conflict has raised international legal concerns. Nicaragua, in particular, has brought a case against Germany before the International Court of Justice, alleging that the drones could be used to violate international law under the UN Genocide Convention. Germanys defense emphasized that its soldiers were not involved in any combat operations and that the drones were unarmed during their training sessions in Israel.Germanys government, however, has been tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the lease. Requests from journalists and parliamentary inquiries have largely been met with refusals, citing the sensitivity of the matter. The German Ministry of Defense has suggested that revealing too many details could harm diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel, as well as multinational cooperation on military projects.Why is there secrecy surrounding the drone dealThe lack of transparency surrounding the lease agreement has fueled speculation. A response to a parliamentary inquiry from the opposition group Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) emphasized that the agreements classified nature was necessary to maintain Germanys strategic relationships and protect sensitive defense cooperation. While Germanys involvement in the conflict has been downplayed, the financial implications and ongoing payments for the drones remain a contentious issue within the political sphere.
