War has returned to Europe. Russia has ended the European peace order with its war of aggression against Ukraine and has been trying to replace the rules-based world order with a primitive law of the strongest since 24 February 2022 at the latest. Moscow has thus once again become a threat to the whole of Europe. National and alliance defence are therefore once again the top priority for the Bundeswehr and its allies in NATO and the EU. The large gaps in military equipment and ammunition in the Bundeswehr must be closed quickly so that it can contribute to a credible deterrent against Russia within the framework of NATO. This can only succeed with a strong defence industry.
The German defence industry must now be specifically promoted through three key measures. The export of defence equipment must be simplified. The procedure for export licences must become faster and more predictable for companies. The defence industry is also dependent on planning security in the form of firm purchase commitments. This is the only way to maintain and expand production capacities. The German government should also work to ensure that the defence industry is classified as sustainable in accordance with ESG criteria. This is the only way to ensure long-term pre-financing of the production of defence equipment at standard market conditions.