The defense sector calls for greater attention to security planning.
The weapons business is booming, with orders pouring in and champagne bottles being popped open left and right. This is a result of the various geopolitical conflicts happening around the world. However, there's always the fear that this good run might come to an end, which is why the responsible association is asking for government support in the future.
The head of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), Michael Schöllhorn, has called on the federal government to be more reliable when it comes to funding for the Bundeswehr. Schöllhorn is not just the president of the association but also the head of the defense division at Airbus. He pointed out in the magazine "European Security & Technology" that the industry needs more stability in order to grow.
The industry is making large investments, but it can't produce guns without legal permission from the Bundeswehr or the federal government. Production of such weapons requires either an order from the Bundeswehr or an export license from the government. Despite this, it's still unclear what will happen to the defense budget in the upcoming legislative period. If this remains unaddressed, the special fund will run out.
If there's no significant increase in regular investments for defense, Germany risks falling behind the two-percent target set by NATO. Schöllhorn cautioned that, by 2025, only the orders that have already been approved will be processed, leaving no room for new ones. He believes that urgent action is needed to address this situation. The Bundeswehr and industry require a steady and continuous stream of funding to make progress.
At the International Air and Space Fair (ILA) that starts this week at the Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER), Schöllhorn shared his thoughts on the importance of European leadership in aerospace. "Europe leads the world in aerospace technology," he said, "Europe needs to continue its role in shaping this technological leadership and paving the way for a more sustainable future of aviation." This means pushing for climate-neutral air traffic, ensuring the competitiveness of the European industry, exploring space for a better future, maintaining security in Europe, and preserving the continent's defense capabilities.
