Spy cockroaches and AI robots: Germany plots the future of warfare

A digital illustration released by Swarm Biotactics shows what they describe as a cyborg cockroach, equipped with a specialised backpack that enables real-time data collection via cameras. — SWARM Biotactics/Handout via Reuters

MUNICH/BERLIN/FRANKFURT: For Gundbert Scherf – the co-founder of Germany's Helsing, Europe's most valuable defence start-up – Russia's invasion of Ukraine changed everything.

Scherf had to fight hard to attract investment after starting his company – which produces military strike drones and battlefield AI – four years ago.