Scholz calls for teamwork on weapons development.
Defense groups want the funding for the Bundeswehr past 2025 secured, a view shared by Defense Minister Pistorius. Now, German Chancellor Scholz has chimed in on this topic – calling for Europe's support.
At the start of the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA), Chancellor Scholz spoke about the importance of a thriving European and German defense industry, capable of producing key weapons and ammunition. He announced the acquisition of 20 additional Eurofighter fighter jets.
On the other hand, security and defense policy associations are pushing for the financing of the Bundeswehr's future equipment to be ensured. The 100-billion-euro Bundeswehr Special Fund falls short of the necessary resources. "The budgetary 'scissors' between current medium-term financial planning and the funds needed by the Bundeswehr opens in 2025," the nine associations cautioned in a statement. They referred to Defense Minister Pistorius' request for an additional 6.5 billion euros in the regular defense budget this year.
These groups urged the allocation of funds to the Bundeswehr. Germany's previous policy had been to prioritize other areas, said Scholz at the opening. "That's done. The unprovoked attack by Russia on Ukraine has brought a new security reality to Germany." For speed's sake, some weapons systems will be purchased from partners who already have marketable products. "Time is important, but not the only factor," Scholz added. "I'm also pushing for the preservation and expansion of production capacities." This legislative period will see the acquisition of 20 more Eurofighters, in addition to the 38 already in the pipeline.
Greater cooperation between European partners is needed, according to Scholz. "We cannot afford in Europe to have a significantly larger number of competing weapon systems than the USA," he stated. "There should be fewer systems that reflect the strengths of the respective industries. With this, we can also achieve the necessary interoperability between European militaries and higher quantities." Scholz aims for the German industry to take the lead.
The industry responds to the geopolitical challenges of our time with innovations, said the President of the German Aerospace Industry Association, Michael Schöllhorn, at the opening of the fair. "The civil aviation industry showcases sustainable developments, which will become a competitive advantage." The military aviation industry displays systems of the future. And space travel highlights how Europe can ensure independent access to space.
However, Europe's technological leadership in these fields is under threat. "The industry is under pressure," admitted Schöllhorn. "To survive, we need a supportive political environment – predictable defense budgets and, ultimately, orders. Otherwise, medium-sized companies and suppliers will leave us, whose capacities and capabilities will be crucial in the future."
At the European Air and Space Show, around 600 exhibitors from 30 countries will showcase their products from Wednesday to Sunday. Although only open to professionals until Friday, the fair opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday. The main focus is on the sustainable transformation of civil aviation, as well as defense and security matters.
Taking place every two years, the fair will remain in Schönefeld near Berlin at least until 2030. Berlin and Brandenburg will contribute 5.5 million euros each to the ILA fairs of 2026, 2028, and 2030.
Over 600 exhibitors from 30 countries present their products at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA). This year, the focus is on the sustainable future of civil aviation and defense and security topics. The fair occurs every two years and will remain in Schönefeld near Berlin until at least 2030. Authorities have allocated 5.5 million euros to the ILA fairs of 2026, 2028, and 2030.
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In alignment with Scholz's call for cooperation, Europe's defense industry should work collectively to produce crucial weapons and armor, reducing the number of competing systems. Recognizing the industry's pressure due to geopolitical challenges, Olaf Scholz announced the procurement of 20 additional Eurofighter fighter jets from the German defense industry.
