- Title: Berlin-based drone maker's Songbird model drives growth
- Date: 4th March 2026
- Summary: BERLIN, GERMANY (MARCH 4, 2026) (REUTERS) GERMANDRONES EMPLOYEES CARRYING BOX WITH DRONE INSIDE AT RUNWAY OF CLOSED TEGEL AIRPORT SURVEILLANCE DRONE MODELS 'SONGBIRD' ON GROUND GERMANDRONES EMPLOYEE MOVING DRONE DRONE TAKING OFF MONITOR SHOWING DRONE IMAGES DRONE FLYING GERMANDRONES EMPLOYEES MONITORING DRONE IMAGES DRONE FLYING EMPLOYEE CARRYING DRONE INTO BUILDING SONG
- Embargoed:
- Keywords: defence drones germandrones market production songbird surveillance
- Location: BERLIN, GERMANY
- City: BERLIN, GERMANY
- Country: Germany
- Topics: Conflicts/War/Peace,Europe
- Reuters ID: LVA001073304032026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Germandrones, a German-based company benefiting from the surge in global demand for surveillance technology, showcased its flagship product, the Songbird drone, at Berlin's closed Tegel Airport on Wednesday (March 4). Boasting advanced features and multiple applications, the drone has become a significant export success in the growing market for unmanned aerial systems.
The Songbird, a compact, grey surveillance drone approximately half a meter in size, is equipped with swivelling rotors that allow it to transition from vertical takeoff to horizontal flight. Designed for security and military purposes, the current version, 3.2, features a high-resolution camera, a thermal imaging sensor, and target acquisition capabilities. With an operational range of 50 kilometres (31 miles), it can transmit video signals back to its base station while flying for up to two and a half hours, according to Germandrones CEO Klaus Scho. "And then the operator can see what is there, assess the situation and take appropriate action if they wish," Scho stated.
The Songbird's modular design is assembled using components sourced from the global market, a strategy that has allowed Germandrones to compete effectively in the highly competitive international market.
Scho attributed the success to the evolving global political environment and the broader potential applications for drones beyond military use. Scho outlined future growth areas for the company, including transport, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring. "In the future, drones will transport much more, from small to large goods worldwide, especially in regions with poor infrastructure, such as parts of India, Africa, and South America," he said.
Despite the focus on security applications, Scho clarified that Germandrones does not plan to enter the market for armed drones at its current location due to legal restrictions under the War Weapons Control Act.
Scho highlighted a growing push within Germany and Europe to reduce reliance on imports of drone technology from countries like China, the U.S., and Israel. "Efforts are being made in Germany, and also in Europe, to become completely independent of these countries. That will take some time. However, I think it will work because there is a market behind it that is also buying," he said.
The Songbird is part of GermanDrones' effort to expand its presence in a rapidly growing and competitive market.
(Production: Martin Schlicht, Stephan Schepers, Ulrike Heil) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2026. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None