German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius sees weaknesses in Germany’s supply chains and the security of supply of defence companies and is calling for backup plans to be developed to ensure this key aspect of defence policy is secure.
“We have to move away from strong dependencies on a few suppliers,” Pistorius said on Thursday after an industry meeting at the Economy Ministry.
“We need clarity about the needs for raw materials. We need clarity about the supply chains,” which are key for all German industries, not just defence and security, he said.
There must be alternatives if links in the supply chain are torn down, he said, adding that higher stock levels are needed to be able to keep going.
Economy Minister Katherina Reiche stressed the important role of young companies in innovating weapons systems and military goods.
“We have to turn ideas and innovations into defence capability, bring together technological progress and cooperation,” she said.
The president of the Federation of German Industries (BDI), Peter Leibinger, pointed to the significantly growing willingness of companies in the civilian industrial sector to also participate in arms production.
Pistorius also announced that later on this year – either before or after the summer recess – there would be a meeting at the Defence Ministry with representatives from Ukraine to talk about possibilities for further joint ventures, enable mutual learning and discuss how Ukrainian companies can be further and better financed.
