Lower Saxony relies on armaments industry: CDU demands reinforcement of the Bundeswehr!

Lower Saxony relies on armaments industry: CDU demands reinforcement of the Bundeswehr!

Niedersachsen, Deutschland - The military upgrading and the expansion of the armaments industry are becoming increasingly important in Lower Saxony. This development is closely linked to the tense world situation, especially through the risks that are based on Russia. Lower Saxony sees itself as responsibility to make a constitutional contribution to the state and alliance defense. The CDU brought in a draft law in the state parliament, which provides for changes in university, school and building law in order to secure a closer cooperation between universities and the Bundeswehr. CDU parliamentary group leader Sebastian Lechner emphasizes the need for a holistic concept that combines defense, research and economic resilience.

This political initiative falls into a context in which Lower Saxony wants to improve its military infrastructure and plan areas for defense tasks. Prime Minister Olaf Lies (SPD) sees military armament as an opportunity for an economic upswing in the country. His goal is not only to equip the Bundeswehr with the necessary technology and logistics, but also to support domestic industry with new orders. Lower Saxony's role in the logistical chains of Germany has a strategic character, especially with a view to the recent changes in the security policy landscape in the course of Russian attack on Ukraine.

positive signals for armaments projects

In the public discussion, Prime Minister Stephan Weil (SPD) already pointed out on a ZDF program that the armaments industry should be regarded as a growth area and an important economic factor. Despite the idea of ​​a world without weapons, he sees the need to expand the production capacities. This is not only for military mobilization, but also with regard to possible trade conflicts, as recently indicated between the USA and China. The auto industry in Lower Saxony could suffer from the impending US tariffs, which is why diversification in other sectors such as the armaments industry seems sensible.

The considerations for more intensive cooperation between industry and the Bundeswehr also concern companies such as the Meyer Werft, which examine the possibility of engagement in the military area. The construction of frigates is one of the potential future projects. At the same time, Rheinmetall shows interest in a cooperation with VW at the Osnabrück location, which illustrates the synergies between the automotive and armaments industry.

a rethink in the armaments sector

The latest conflict in Ukraine and the associated security policy challenges have accelerated necessary changes in the armaments sector. The uncertainty about the consistency of the US security guarantees, especially under a possible renewed election victory by Donald Trump, emphasizes urgency to rethink. Germany must make its NATO contribution by 2030 at the latest to be prepared against Russian aggression. This not only requires investments in new technologies, but also a realignment of industrial policy for the armaments industry.

The current fragility of the industrial basis in Germany, paired with the considerable growth pain of the armaments industry, requires coordinated and effective control. A new legal framework could help to make orders efficiently and to invest the necessary resources in armaments production. Considerations for a mandatory social year, which can also be completed in the Bundeswehr, should raise awareness of young people to military tasks and at the same time contribute to strengthening defense efforts.

Overall, the signs in Lower Saxony are on armor. The endeavor to use both economic opportunities and to increase the security of the region will continue to play a central role in the political agenda in the near future.