The military sector - Scholz urges European allies to strengthen their partnership.
At the beginning of the International Air and Space Show (ILA), Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged long-term support for the arms industry's growth in production capacity. "Today, it's more evident than ever that a European and German defense industry that consistently manufactures all crucial types of weapons and ammo is crucial," said the SPD politician at the Berlin-Brandenburg Airport's exhibition grounds on Wednesday. He confirmed the order of 20 additional Eurofighter fighter jets. Defense and security policy experts urged the funding of additional Bundeswehr equipment after 2025. The Bundeswehr's €100 billion fund is inadequate for meeting the need.
"The 'budget scissors' between current medium-term planning and the funds required by the Bundeswehr will open in 2025," warned the nine associations in their statement. They referred to Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' (SPD) call for an extra €6.5 billion in the standard defense budget in the coming year. The officials demanded the Bundeswehr be granted the funds.
Scholz said during the opening that German politics previously sidestepped the arms industry. "That's over. The unlawful Russian attack on Ukraine has heralded a new security policy reality for Germany." Due to time constraints, some weapons systems will be obtained from partners who already offer marketable products. "Speed is crucial, but it's simply one element," said Scholz. "At the same time, I am intensifying efforts to preserve and expand production capabilities." He will order 20 more Eurofighters in addition to the current 38 aircraft scheduled.
A more comprehensive cooperation between European partners is necessary. "We can no longer afford in Europe to have a substantially higher number of competing weapon systems than, for instance, the USA," said Scholz. He advocated for fewer systems, reflecting the strengths of each nation's industry. "Then, we can achieve the necessary interoperability between Europe's militaries and increased quantities." Scholz believes German industry should take the lead.
The industry is addressing the geopolitical challenges of the present with innovations, according to German Aerospace Industries Association President Michael Schöllhorn at the fair launch. "The civil aviation sector is demonstrating sustainability advancements, which will also become a significant competitive advantage." The military aviation sector showcases future technologies. Spacetravel illustrates how Europe can guarantee independent access to space.
However, Europe's technological superiority in these areas is challenged. "The industry is also under pressure," said Schöllhorn. To survive, they need the proper political conditions. "We also need predictability in defense budgets and, eventually, orders, or our medium-sized businesses and suppliers will desert us now, whose capacities and capabilities will be critical in the future."
At the European Aerospace and Defense Expo, around 600 exhibitors from 30 countries will present themselves from Wednesday to Sunday. Only until Friday will the exhibition be open to the trade public. All other interested parties can visit the exhibition grounds on Saturday and Sunday. The emphasis is on the sustainable transformation of civil aviation and defense and security matters.
The exhibition occurs every two years. Since April, it's been certain that its Berlin-Schönefeld location will be maintained through 2030. The Berlin and Brandenburg states will contribute a combined €11 million each to the ILA exhibitions in 2026, 2028, and 2030.
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