Germany's Ministry of Defence is planning a significant deal to acquire combat drones for the Bundeswehr, potentially worth up to €4.3 billion. The initial contracts, totaling approximately €540 million, are intended for two German startups, Stark Defence and Helsing, which produce "loitering munition." However, the multi-billion euro project is overshadowed by the involvement of controversial US billionaire Peter Thiel, who holds a minority stake in Stark Defence. Concerns have been raised, particularly by the Green party, that Thiel's association could grant the US MAGA movement access to sensitive Bundeswehr information. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has publicly shared these concerns, emphasizing the need to clarify Thiel's actual influence on Stark Defence's operations before a final decision is made. The Bundestag's budget committee is scheduled to vote on the deal next Wednesday, with the outcome uncertain due to these unresolved questions.