Published on: June 19, 2025 / update from: June 19, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein
Criticism of the Bundeswehr: Plateless logistics investments-how the private sector can solve the logistics problem with the DU logistics ²-Image: Xpert.digital
Special funds fizzles out: Logistics chaos at the Bundeswehr costs billions and weakens Germany
Court of Auditors: Structural Problems and Made Vestments
The Bundeswehr is currently massively criticized, especially as far as its logistics investments are concerned. The Federal Audit Office criticizes fundamental structural deficits: Despite billion dollar investments - especially from the special fund - there is a lack of a clear, coherent strategy for the establishment of a powerful defense. Again and again there are multi-million dollar malformations, for example in the form of unsuccessful procurement and digitization projects or unnecessary expenses for unused software licenses. This practice contradicts economic principles and endangers defense ability in the long term.
A central problem is that projects are often financed without it being clear whether they are actually needed or function. The almost unlimited funds due to the loosened debt brake increase the problem because they create incentives for industry to demand higher prices for constant services.
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Lack of modernization and outdated infrastructure
The Bundeswehr's logistics locations are considered outdated in many places. While modern civilian logistics centers could serve as a model, many Bundeswehr material warehouse acts “get old” and do not meet the requirements for modern, war -loving logistics. The result: the performance of the troop remains restricted and Germany's defense ability is classified as "conditionally".
After the end of the Cold War, numerous material and ammunition camp were closed. It was only with the return to state and alliance defense- especially after the Russian attack on Ukraine- that the stocks had to be massively increased again. However, there is a lack of well -thought -out long -term planning. A lot happens at a hurry, which increases the risk of wrong decisions.
Dependence on civilian providers and logistical bottlenecks
Another problem is the strong dependence on civil logistics service providers. The Bundeswehr hardly has its own capacity for the rail or air transport of heavy equipment and is dependent on providers such as DB Cargo or Lufthansa. These cooperation are part of a strategic realignment, but revealing considerable weaknesses: there are too few suitable flat wagons for armored transport, and the overall infrastructure is not designed for the requirements of fast military laying. In an emergency, logistical bottlenecks could arise that massively affect the operational capacity of the Bundeswehr.
Missing digitization and inefficient processes
The resilience of the military supply chains is considered to be limited. Advances in data -driven logistics, intelligent control and effective use of resources are urgently necessary to master the logistical challenges. So far, however, consistent measures and a clear prioritization in these areas have been missing.
Solution approaches: dual-use logistics and strategic realignment
The so-called dual-use logistics is discussed as a solution: instead of investing billions in isolated, often unused systems, modular infrastructures are to be created, which can be used both civil and militarily. This would avoid redundancies, increase usage efficiency and improve the amortization of the investments. In view of the role of Germany as a central logistics hub in Europe, such a strategic realignment is urgently offered.
The criticism of the Bundeswehr regarding haphazard logistics investments is complex:
- There is a lack of strategic planning and control.
- Billions are used inefficiently, often without sustainable benefits.
- The infrastructure is outdated, the dependence on civilian providers high.
- Digitization and modern control of the logistics processes lag behind.
A consistent reform towards modular, dual usable logistics systems and a strategic, long -term planning are considered central levers to fix the structural weaknesses and to make the Bundeswehr sustainable.
Hub for security and defense - advice and information
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The hub for security and defense offers well-founded advice and current information in order to effectively support companies and organizations in strengthening their role in European security and defense policy. In close connection to the SME Connect working group, he promotes small and medium -sized companies (SMEs) in particular that want to further expand their innovative strength and competitiveness in the field of defense. As a central point of contact, the hub creates a decisive bridge between SME and European defense strategy.
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Germany's strategic opportunity: civil-military logistics networking as a future model
How the private sector can solve the Bundeswehr's logistics problem via the dual-use concept
The Bundeswehr faces enormous logistical challenges caused by decades of neglect the infrastructure and structural deficits. The dual-us concept offers a promising solution in which the private sector can take on a central role in modernizing and increasing the efficiency of military logistics.
The dimension of the problem
Structural weaknesses of Bundeswehr logistics
The Bundeswehr's logistical problems are complex and profound. The infrastructure suffers from a blatant renovation backlog with a quantified investment requirement of 67 billion euros for barracks and properties. Logistics, which is considered one of the largest weaknesses in the Bundeswehr.
The Federal Audit Office criticizes fundamental structural deficits: Despite billion dollar investments from the special fund, there is a lack of a clear, coherent strategy for building a powerful defense. The Bundeswehr has failed over the years to fix information defects in its IT logistics system, which endangers its operational readiness.
Dependence on civilian providers
A central problem is the strong dependence on civil logistics service providers. The Bundeswehr hardly has its own capacity for the rail or air transport of heavy equipment and is dependent on providers such as DB Cargo or Lufthansa. This dependence reveals significant weaknesses in the strategic autonomy of the armed forces.
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The dual-use concept as a solution approach
Definition and strategic potential
Dual-use goods are defined as “goods with a double use”-objects, technologies and knowledge that can serve both civil and military purposes. In the context of the logistics infrastructure, dual -use refers to systems such as railway lines, bridges, tunnels and terminals of combined traffic, which meet both the requirements of civil freight transport and the specific needs of military transport.
Advantages of dual-use logistics
The dual-use concept offers several strategic advantages:
- Cost efficiency: Instead of investing billions in isolated, often unused systems, modular infrastructures are created that are continuously used
- Avoiding redundancy: Double use prevents the creation of parallel structures
- Amortization improvement: Due to continuous civilian use, investments amortize faster
- Efficiency increase: The efficiency is increased by permanent utilization
Concrete implementation options
Modular infrastructure systems
The development of modular dual-use infrastructures is a core approach. Critical KV systems (terminals, sections of the route, sections, loading devices) can primarily be financed by means of defense, which are provided under the heading “Securing defense and defense logistics”. However, this infrastructure is designed from the start in such a way that it can be used efficiently by civil logistics players in non-emergency times.
Transport capacities and intermodality
Due to its geostrategic location in the heart of Europe, Germany has a key role as a logistical hub for Allied forces. The ability to move troops and material quickly and efficiently through Germany (Host Nation Support) is essential for the credibility of collective defense.
Hybrids, multimodal logistics systems that concentrate on the combined traffic road rail can meet both civil and military requirements. The prioritization of military mobility requirements in the context of EU initiatives such as the Military Mobility Action Plan is promoting necessary modernizations.
Role of the private sector
Cooperation models and partnerships
The Bundeswehr logistics command has already initiated innovative ways in working with the economy. The economy is a partner of the Bundeswehr, and companies have been making indispensable contributions to the Bundeswehr logistics for many years. In addition to their innovative strength, flexibility, efficiency and reliable service provision are their success factors.
Specific fields of cooperation
The Bundeswehr pursues innovative cooperation in three main fields:
- Material management and storage: value-preserving storage for selected ammunition and material segments
- Support with the relocation of forces/intermodal transport: envelope at traffic operators such as seaports, airports and railway terminals
- Intermodal transport: coordination of street, rail, lake and air
Advantages of outsourcing
Logistics outsourcing offers numerous advantages, including flexibility, cost transparency, access to the latest technology and the opportunity to focus on core competencies. External logistics providers can adapt their services to changing needs, be it with seasonal fluctuations in demand or when expansion to new markets.
Digitization and technological innovation
Data -driven logistics systems
The resilience of the military supply chains is considered to be limited. Advances in data -driven logistics, intelligent control and effective use of resources are urgently necessary. With its “Innovation Challenge Logistics”, the Bundeswehr has already taken the first steps to advance the digital transformation.
Concrete digitization projects
Innovative solutions developed from the group include:
- Rolls (route-Leit-Lenk tool): A Bundeswehr navigation system for vehicle-adapted route planning
- Cub: A sensor for digital container monitoring
- Yarded: A solution for parking and container management
- Dartbw: A digital tool for three-dimensional building and off-road measurement
Resilience and security of supply
Supply chain management
Supply chain management will play a crucial role in the Bundeswehr IT procurement. In the defense area in particular, disorders in the supply chain can have massive consequences. The vibrations during the Covid 19 pandemic have clearly shown the vulnerability of global supply chains.
Strategic independence
Sovereignty must be particularly carefully considered when defending. In addition to the environmental policy implications, supply chain independence in the sense of a circular economy receives a dedicated security policy dimension. The integration of dual-use technologies offers the opportunity to promote security-relevant innovations and at the same time strengthen the technological competitiveness of the business location of Germany.
Challenges and solutions
Regulatory aspects
Dual-use goods are subject to strict export controls and regulations. The EU dual-us regulation (EU) 2021/821 forms the central legal framework that specifies goods lists, approval obligations and control procedures. These regulatory requirements must be taken into account when implementing dual-use logistics systems.
Personnel development and know-how transfer
The demographic development and the scarcity of qualified staff are a common challenge for both the Bundeswehr and the economy. Since the supporting skills to be proven by the logistics command are similar, potential for expanded cooperation opens up. Time soldiers can play an important role in this because their professional training in the Logistics of the Bundeswehr corresponds to civil standards in large parts.
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Civil-military networking: Germany's chance of a cost-effective and sustainable defense logistics
The dual-use concept offers a strategic solution that can systematically tackle the structural problems of the Bundeswehr. Instead of further investing billions in isolated, often unused military systems, dual-use logistics enables efficient networking of civil and military logistics structures.
The private sector can act as a central partner by bringing in its innovative strength, efficiency and technological expertise. With modular, dual usable infrastructures and strategic partnerships, both the Bundeswehr's security of care and the economy of the investments can be significantly improved.
Germany as a logistical hub in Europe is particularly suitable for the implementation of dual-use logistics systems. However, the successful implementation requires consistent strategic planning, overcoming regulatory hurdles and close cooperation between military and civilian actors.
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Advice - planning - implementation
Markus Becker
I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.
Head of Business Development
Chairman SME Connect Defense Working Group
Advice - planning - implementation
Konrad Wolfenstein
I would be happy to serve as your personal advisor.
contact me under Wolfenstein ∂ Xpert.digital
call me under +49 89 674 804 (Munich)
