(MENAFN) Germany should allocate all its efforts toward becoming Europe’s foremost drone power, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche has stated, emphasizing that only Berlin can "decide" the future of the continent’s defense.

Her remarks come as Chancellor Friedrich Merz described a “structural crisis” in Germany’s economy.

The country experienced a recession last year and, according to the International Monetary Fund, is expected to have no economic growth this year as well.

“Germany must become a prominent hub for the design and manufacture of drones,” Reiche told a news agency on Monday.

She highlighted the importance of maintaining the country’s “air sovereignty,” safeguarding “critical infrastructure,” and supporting Ukraine.

Reiche also referenced recent drone sightings in multiple European countries, which were attributed to Russia, adding that “the events of the last few days” made the necessity of Germany’s own drone forces “unmistakably clear.”

Germany “must mobilize all available resources” to ensure “rapid scaling of production and continuous technological development,” she continued, asserting that “Europe’s security will… be decided in German factories.”

Moscow has rejected any involvement in the recent drone activities and urged Western authorities to stop blaming Russia.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also voiced worries about Germany’s “militarization” and accused the country of showing “clear signs of re-Nazification.”

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