Military Technology: State aims to profit from military tech projects

Thuringia's Economy Minister Colette Boos-John believes that planned European investments in security and defense present significant opportunities for the state's economy.

"We want our companies to benefit from this development and create contracts, jobs, and new value creation in the state," Boos-John stated at a forum on security and defense technologies in Erfurt. She emphasized that Thuringia must not stand on the sidelines as other German states actively position themselves as locations for the growing security and defense industry.

The minister highlighted that Thuringia possesses strong competencies in areas such as optics, sensor technology, electronics, mechanical engineering, and software development. These fields are highly sought after in the global defense market, offering a solid foundation for local businesses to engage with defense projects.

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We want our companies to benefit from this development and create contracts, jobs, and new value creation in the state.

While the promotion of defense manufacturing sites in Thuringia is not without controversy, particularly from the Left Party faction in the state parliament, Boos-John sees the potential for the Free State to establish itself as a capable supplier, research, and production location. The forum in Erfurt brought together approximately 300 companies, research institutions, associations, chambers, the Bundeswehr, and public institutions.

Additionally, the newly founded Thuringian "Defense Network" was introduced at the event. This network aims to foster cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, research institutions, and potential clients. Some companies are already active in the sector, such as Quantum Systems, which is expanding its Thuringian site after acquiring Jena-based Spleenlab GmbH, a startup specializing in AI-based software for surveillance drones and autonomous systems.

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Thuringia must not stand on the sidelines as other German states actively position themselves as locations for the growing security and defense industry.