Industrie: 92 Prozent der Maschinenbauer wollen stärker in den Verteidigungssektor – wenn die Politik eines klärt

The German machine-building industry is experiencing significant growth in the defense sector, with 92% of machine-building companies planning to expand their defense-related supply lines within the next twelve months, according to a recent survey conducted by the German Mechanical Engineers Association (VDMA). Among the responding enterprises, 23% plan to enter the defense business, while an additional 6% have already planned such an entry.

Those already active in the defense sector report substantial growth opportunities, with 92% expecting to expand their deliveries within the next year. Sixteen percent of these companies are reallocating employees from other business areas to defense-related production. Andreas Evertz, CEO of Flender, a gearbox manufacturer and member of the VDMA forum for the security and defense industry, noted that the defense industry has been long overlooked, but machine builders are becoming more proactive in this area.

Despite challenges such as US tariffs, strong competition from China, and Germany's location issues, the defense sector offers a promising avenue for growth. However, Evertz cautions that the defense sector alone cannot become the core of the machine-building industry. The VDMA estimates that the defense industry's share of machine-building revenue could reach two to three percent in the medium term, but emphasizes that without the machine-building industry, there would be no defense industry.

The companies surveyed are optimistic about the prospects in the defense sector, with nearly a third expecting at least 15% growth this year and 43% anticipating at least a doubling of their revenue by 2030. However, regulatory and safety requirements, lack of contacts with potential customers, and bureaucratic procedures are slowing down their entry into the defense market. To overcome these hurdles, the companies need clearer policy-making and more planning certainty.