Germany’s Defence Transformation: Traditional Firepower vs. Modern Warfare

Defence giants are drawing battle lines in Germany as the nation embarks on a significant rearmament initiative. The landscape of military strategy is evolving, with traditionalists advocating for established heavy weaponry while innovative start-ups push for modern technologies such as AI-enabled drones. This ongoing debate reflects the complexities of balancing old-world tactics with new-age tactics in a rapidly changing global security environment.

Germany’s Ambitious Defence Goals

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is spearheading efforts to transform Germany into Europe’s strongest conventional army, pledging hundreds of billions of euros to support this ambition. The rearmament drive has intensified since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, shaking European nations into action to bolster their military capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The push for increased defence spending has been underscored by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called for NATO allies to step up their military expenditures. This call has resonated across Europe, raising concerns about the reliability of American commitment to the continent’s security landscape. As a result, the allocation of defence funds in Germany has sparked a heated debate.

The Rise of Tech Defence Start-ups

Emerging German tech defence start-ups are making a strong case for a shift in military spending priorities. They argue that the recent conflict in Ukraine has underscored the importance of cost-effective, mass-producible technology, like drones powered by artificial intelligence. According to these start-ups, the landscape of warfare is changing, with aerial drones playing a critical role in modern combat.

Gundbert Scherf, co-founder of the German defence technology company Helsing, has been vocal about the need to rethink funding allocations. In his view, the military investment landscape has been too focused on expensive traditional platforms, such as tanks and armored vehicles. “An overly strong focus on traditional platforms” could leave Germany vulnerable to new threats. He hopes to see a more balanced approach to military spending, moving from a predominant focus on traditional systems to a more equitable distribution between them and autonomous systems.

Signs of Change

Helsing, established in 2021 and supported by notable investors including Spotify founder Daniel Ek, is gaining traction. The company recently successfully tested strike drones with the German military, signaling a potential shift in military attitudes. Scherf remains optimistic but emphasizes that spending patterns must adapt to reflect the evolving nature of warfare.

Another promising start-up, Stark, has echoed this sentiment. Founded a mere 18 months ago, Stark has also successfully tested drones with the German military. Josef Kranawetvogl, a senior executive at Stark, acknowledged positive changes in procurement processes but expressed concern about the pace of these reforms. “We need to execute more quickly,” he insisted, highlighting the urgency for a more nimble response to modern military challenges.

Traditionalists Hold Their Ground

On the other end of the spectrum, Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest weapons manufacturer, represents the traditional military establishment. CEO Armin Papperger recognizes the increasing significance of drones in contemporary warfare but argues that they are merely one component of a multifaceted strategy. He believes that armored vehicles remain essential for defending territory and repelling aggressors.

Papperger suggests that should a conflict arise involving NATO, the situation would look markedly different from the ongoing war in Ukraine, with drones playing a potentially less pivotal role. His perspective underscores the long-standing reliance on traditional military assets, even as new technologies emerge.

Government Plans and Public Concerns

The German government is also planning significant investments in drone technology, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announcing a projected expenditure of 10 billion euros over the coming years. However, concerns persist regarding the continued focus on traditional military hardware. Reports indicate that 377 billion euros are earmarked for arms purchases, with a substantial portion directed towards established defense companies.

While a government spokesman acknowledged the integral role of drones within military operations, he affirmed the continued necessity of battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, and combat aircraft in future engagements. This assertion highlights the persistent prioritization of conventional military assets, even amidst calls for modernization.

Criticism from Experts

Germany’s rearmament efforts represent a significant shift for a nation historically shaped by pacifism, stemming from the traumatic legacy of World War II. However, there is a growing concern among experts that the pace of this transformation may be inadequate. Prominent historian Niall Ferguson and Moritz Schularick have criticized the German military’s planning for lagging behind the rapid evolution of unmanned and autonomous systems. They argue that a fixation on outdated weaponry may leave Germany vulnerable in future conflicts, urging leaders to pivot from “the weapons of the last war” to prepare for the next.

In this multifaceted debate, Germany finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the complexities of rearmament amid rapidly changing technological landscapes and evolving security threats. The battle between traditional military power and modern innovation continues to unfold, shaping the future of Germany’s defence strategies.