10 innovative solutions in German industry to stabilize European security
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Published on: May 8, 2025 / update from: May 8, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
10 innovative solutions in German industry to stabilize European security - picture: Xpert.digital
Combined traffic, AI, robotics and drones: Germany's contribution to Europe's security
Technological progress for a safe Europe: ten solutions
Europe faces massive security policy challenges that require a determined, coordinated action. With its technological expertise, innovative strength and industrial basis, German industry can make a significant contribution to the stabilization of European security. In particular, the concept of dual-use logistics in combined traffic Schiene-Straße as well as other innovative approaches from areas such as AI, robotics and drone technology offer significant opportunities to strengthen Europe's defense skills and at the same time promote civilian economy. The following ten suggestions show concrete ways of how Germany can sustainably improve the security architecture of Europe through industrial innovation.
1. Expansion of a strategic dual-use logistics network Schiene-Straße
Integrated planning of critical logistics infrastructure
The development of a hybrid, multimodal logistics system with a focus on combined traffic (KV) Schiene-Straße is a central pillar for the European security architecture. This concept is based on a well-thought-out dual-use infrastructure: critical KV systems such as terminals, route sections and charging facilities are primarily financed by means of defense, but from the start in such a way that they are designed in peace times can be used efficiently by civil logistics players. This corresponds to the overall -state approach to security provision, as is anchored in the Germany (OPLAN AU) operating plan.
The double challenge is to meet the increased military needs in the context of state and alliance defense on the one hand and, on the other hand, to meet civil economy requirements according to powerful and sustainable transport routes. In the event of an alliance, up to 800,000 NATO soldiers must be transported by Germany within 180 days, whereby the rail is the preferred means of transport for heavy equipment such as tanks and artillery due to its capacity and efficiency over long distances. At the same time, the relocation of goods from the road to the rails to ecological goals and relieving the street infrastructure contributes.
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Standardization and governance for seamless civil-military use
A coherent dual-use system requires uniform standards and clear governance structures. The fragmented terminal and operator market in German rail freight transport with a variety of private and public actors requires robust contractual agreements and possibly certifications for participating terminals and operators. Military transports require specific technical requirements such as MLC ability (military load classification), ramps for chain vehicles as well as high security standards and guaranteed prioritization in the event of a crisis.
2. Targeted infrastructure investments with EU funding
Expansion of strategic transport corridors
The European Union has recognized the importance of the traffic infrastructure for defense ability and deliberately promotes dual-use projects. In the past three years, Germany has been able to raise a total of more than 296 million euros for German dual-use projects in the past three years, with the EU participating in the total cost of these traffic projects with 50 percent. The funding applications focus on railways and measures that serve to improve the passability of the TEN-V nuclear network corridors (Trans-European Transport Network) with long, heavy freight trains and the improvement of transshipment capacities for rail freight transport.
Specifically, investments in overtaking tracks, bridges and the expansion of terminals for combined traffic should flow. These measures not only improve military mobility, but also strengthen the competitiveness of Germany business location. The frame freight contract concluded in 2018 with the DB Cargo, which provides for the provision of 300 wagons and locomotives for more than 1,300 military transports per year, represents another element of this approach.
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3. Development of innovative AI-based logistics systems
Intelligent control and prioritization of transports
The implementation of artificial intelligence in logistics systems can significantly increase efficiency and resilience both civil and military transport networks. AI-based systems can optimize complex logistics chains, assign transport capacities flexibly and make resources automatically in the event of a crisis. An intelligent overall system could implement the “express surcharge” for military transports mentioned in the framework freight contract with the DB Cargo in an emergency and ensure maximum transport efficiency.
AI-based maintenance and maintenance
The Bundeswehr already relies on AI-based maintenance of devices and vehicles in order to recognize the maintenance requirement at an early stage, reduce downtimes and to improve operational readiness. This technology could be expanded to the entire critical infrastructure to enable forward -looking maintenance (predictive maintenance) of the rail network, bridges and other logistically relevant facilities. As a result, potential weaknesses could be identified and resolved before they lead to bottlenecks or failures.
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4. Expansion of the drone technology and drone defense
Commercial and military drone applications
The German drone market is developing dynamically and will almost double from 955 million euros to over 1.7 billion euros by 2030, whereby the growth is driven primarily by the commercial sector. This development offers significant dual-use potential. While only about every seventh drone in Germany is currently operated commercially, it will be every fifth in 2030. German drone companies have had a significant increase in investments in the past two years, which creates the basis for innovations in both civil and military areas.
Innovative drone defense systems
In parallel to the development of one's own drone technology, the defense against enemy drones must be improved. Heckler & Koch, traditionally a manufacturer of handguns, has announced an introduction to the drone defense business. The company develops a system with grenade throwers installed on vehicle towers and AI-based sensors for the detection and combating of approaching drones. This technology, which is developed in cooperation with AI specialists and established armaments companies, is said to be ready for use by the end of 2026 and could make an important contribution to the protection of European troops.
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5. Promotion of robotics as a strategic dual-use field
Dual-use potential of humanoid robots
The robotics are considered a key technology with considerable dual-use potential. Industrial service robotics and military robotics benefit equally from AI, robust sensors and more and more computing power. With its decades of expertise in mechanical engineering, automation technology and precise production, Germany has ideal conditions in order to become the worldwide leadership of the development and production of robotics systems.
Building of scalable production capacities
For an effective dual-use strategy in the area of robotics, high-flexible and automated factories are required, which are able to switch quickly between civil and military product lines. The war in Ukraine has shown that flexible and decentralized production capacities are decisive. Many European armaments manufacturers can hardly compensate for demand tips due to the lack of agile production, which is why flexible production lines should be built up, which can be quickly raised in new threats.
6. Integration Addititive Manufacturing Technologies in Defense Technology
3D printing for fast prototypes and spare parts
Additive manufacturing (3D printing) plays an increasingly important role in development, manufacturing and using defense systems. Companies such as Diehl Defense GmbH & Co. KG use additive procedures such as FDM, SLA or LPBF to quickly get prototypes or to produce aids for production. These technologies enable high flexibility and can increase the efficiency of production.
Standardized processes for reproducible series production
For the future use of add -up manufacturing, the high quality reproducible production of series components is an essential task. New procedures that work binder -based, for example, offer promising approaches here. The goal is standardized processes that meet the high requirements of the defense industry and at the same time use the advantages of additive manufacturing such as weight reduction, function integration and quick adaptability.
7. Improvement of cyber security for critical infrastructures
Holistic IT security concepts for Industry 4.0
With increasing automation and networking in production facilities, both the Office-IT and production become a security-critical IT complex. In Industry 4.0, the complex security problems must be re-evaluated due to the interaction between office-it and production IT. A strategically developed, holistic, standardized concept for IT security in Industry 4.0 can meet the safety requirements in production and production satisfactorily.
Implementation of security standards according to IEC 62443
The IEC 62443 series of standards will play a central role in IT security in the area of Industry 4.0, which deals with IT security in automation technology and expressly includes critical infrastructures such as the energy tomana. The aim is uniformly understood, standardized IT security levels, the compliance of which can be assessed and verifiable. German industry should take a pioneering role in implementing these standards and thus contribute to the resilience of the pan -European critical infrastructure.
8. Building of AI competence centers for defense innovation
Promotion of the cooperation between the military, research and industry
In the development of its AI technologies, the Bundeswehr relies on close cooperation with research institutes and industry, such as the Fraunhofer Institute, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Bundeswehr universities and start-ups. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute, for example, the Bundeswehr has developed a scoring system that shows how safe the AI is in its decisions. These cooperation models should be expanded and networked by European.
Strengthening defense tech startups
There are already initiatives such as the Cyber Innovation Hub of the Bundeswehr, but it is underfunded and cannot invest sufficiently in startups itself. In order to open up the full innovation potential in the defense area, defense tech startups should be specifically promoted. Because of their agility and innovative strength, these can react quickly to new threats and develop technologies that can be used in both military and civilian areas.
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9. Strengthening German AI competencies in industry
Captics in industrial AI use
Germany threatens to lose connection when using AI in industry. So far, only about 20-25% of German companies are actively using KI. In order to close this gap, targeted support programs for industrial AI use should be launched that strengthen both civilian competitiveness and open up dual-use potential. AI applications could, for example, automate information and monitoring, control autonomous systems, ward off cyber attacks or optimize logistics.
Specific AI solutions for extreme conditions
A special challenge in the military use of AI is that systems still have to work sensibly under extreme conditions and until complete destruction. With its expertise for robust industrial standards, German industry could develop specific AI solutions that are particularly resistant and reliable. These could then be used in the military area as well as extreme situations such as disaster protection or industrial plants with high security requirements.
10. Germany as a logistical hub for European security
Implementation of the “Military Mobility” concept
Germany plays a central role in the relocation and care of allied and own armed forces as part of the NATO alliance as a “turntable”. The “Military Mobility” concept aims to facilitate and accelerate troops in Europe. An important step is to set up a “sample corridor” for troops from west to east in the alliance case, whereby the transport of troops, material and supplies from the deep-sea ports on the North Sea to the NATO east flank focus.
Coordinated civil-military cooperation
As part of the Operation Plan Germany, the coordination of civil-military cooperation is coordinated. The Bundeswehr's territorial management command binds the responsible federal departments and the federal states up to the municipalities and coordinates the needs of NATO and the needs by Germany transit nations. This overall -state task requires close interlinking civil and military actors and could serve as a model for other European countries.
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REARM Europe: Innovative business models for German industry
German industry has a wide range of opportunities to contribute to the stabilization of European security through innovative solutions. The concept of dual-use logistics in combined traffic Schiene-Straße offers significant synergies between civil and military requirements. The ten suggestions presented show specific ways of how existing technologies and skills in the areas of logistics, AI, robotics, drone technology and additive production can be used to strengthen Europe's defense skills.
A coordinated procedure of all those involved is necessary for a successful implementation of these proposals-from the political level to the Bundeswehr and the civilian industry to research institutions and start-ups. The considerable investments planned as part of the European defense initiative “Rearm Europe” offer the financial basis for these measures. By consistently using dual-use potential, these investments can not only strengthen Europe's security, but also contribute to economic development and technological sovereignty.
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