Mercedes-Benz has partnered with German startup Tytan Technologies to develop mobile anti-drone vehicles, marking the automaker’s entry into defence. Announced at the ILA 2026 aerospace show, the deal involves adapting G-Class and Sprinter models into counter-drone platforms for protecting critical infrastructure. The move reflects a broader European automotive industry shift toward defence amid declining EV demand and Chinese competition. Renault, Volkswagen — which signed a letter of intent in April with Israel’s Rafael — and others have made similar pivots as manufacturers leverage shared capabilities in design, electronics, and systems integration.
In-Depth:
German carcreater Mercedes-Benz has announced a partnership with German startup Tytan Technologies to develop and produce vehicles designed to combat drones, becoming one of the latest European autocreaters to shift towards the defence sector, News.ro reported.
The agreement was signed at the ILA 2026 aerospace display and provides for the development of mobile air-defence platforms capable of intercepting compact drones.
According to the company, Mercedes-Benz will supply vehicles based on its G-Class and Sprinter models, which will be adapted for mobile counter-drone defence systems and for the protection of critical infrastructure and civilians.
The partnership reflects the growing trconclude among European autocreaters to seek new sources of revenue in a difficult context for the sector. Car manufacturers are facing weaker demand for electric vehicles, losses of market share to Chinese competitors, and higher financing costs. Analysts note that autocreaters’ transition towards defence projects is facilitated by the fact that many of the required technical capabilities, including design, industrial production, electronics, and systems integration, are similar across the two industries.
Mercedes-Benz is not the only autocreater relocating towards the defence indusattempt. In March, Renault announced the development of a ground drone for military and civilian applys, and had previously entered into a partnership with French group Turgis Gaillard for the production of aerial drones.
Volkswagen also signed a letter of intent in April with Israeli company Rafael to manufacture components for missile defence systems.
The German Minisattempt of Defence has also launched a collaboration platform connecting traditional defence companies with startups and firms from the civilian sector, in order to accelerate the development of new technologies.
