acatech am Dienstag: Innovation is the best defence – on the digital future of the armed forces

Munich, 17 June 2025

New geopolitical threats are turning the cyber and information space into an arena for military confrontations. Weapons systems are becoming digitally interconnected. “Software Defined Defence” (SDD) will make it possible to enhance system performance faster. How will SDD, as a strategic governing principle, change the armed forces of the future? Which key technologies such as artificial intelligence or quantum technologies are being developed in Germany? acatech discussed these questions as part of the dialogue format acatech am Dienstag.

Lieutenant General Michael Vetter (Head of Cyber/Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Germany´s Federal Ministry of Defence) noted a turning point when it comes to security policy and technology. The Bundeswehr must now be enabled even more comprehensively to deploy new digital technologies. The war in Ukraine shows the current developments: on the one hand trenches like in the First World War in 1916 at the river Somme can be found, while simultaneously the latest drone technology is being used.

The development of IT in the Bundeswehr

In the past, the IT system of the Bundeswehr consisted of proprietary individual solutions: this means that a separate solution was built for each individual requirement, as described by Michael Vetter. Five years ago, a digitalization platform was developed from nine clusters. In these clusters, reusable IT services are developed that, ideally, can be used across the board, i.e. in the entire organization, are standardized and offer IT security.

The goal is to better manage the overall system, make it more agile, and reduce bureaucracy. The nine cluster programmes are updated annually, which results in tried and tested solutions much more quickly.

Software as a Driver of Defence Systems

Software Defined Defence (SDD) represents a significant shift in defence strategy. Here, the role of software in the further development of defence systems is at the forefront. Instead of developing in a platform-specific manner, as has been the case until now, SDD relies on a flexible, software-centred approach that allows for continuous improvement and adaptation. For this, the Bundeswehr needs software expertise. The goal is to develop, test, and deploy software quickly so that new features and updates can be implemented swiftly. In his conclusion, Michael Vetter cited modern approaches, reliable resources as well as clear responsibilities and competencies as being essential to making the armed forces digitally future-proof.

More cooperative and more digital in the face of current conflicts

Anna Frey (Scientific Managing Director of acatech) opened the subsequent discussion round with the question of the Bundeswehr’s level of digitization in comparison to other European forces. Michael Vetter assessed the situation ambivalently: While the Bundeswehr´s administration is modern and exhibits a high level of security compared to other federal agencies, investments in the armed forces have been inadequate for two decades. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about bringing the armed forces up to date very quickly.

The lengthy and extensive procurement process was also addressed. Vetter sees positive developments here as well: Market availability is being taken into greater consideration, and scalable framework agreements with industry that allow for quick operational readiness within a few weeks exist.

Michael Vetter emphasized that compared to other European forces the Bundeswehr currently occupies a leading position in spending on its digitalization. This is made possible by annual investments of 22 billion euros (compared to 8 billion euros so far). He predicted that the Bundeswehr will be a leader in the field of digitalization within the EU in the coming years.

Current wars and conflicts drive innovations in defence. As an example, General Vetter cited the air defence system “Iris-T SLM”, which was developed in Germany: it is considered highly reliable. The Bundeswehr has offered EU partners to use the contracts of this system, which ultimately led to the establishment of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI). The aim of this initiative is to build an improved European air defence and missile defence system to close gaps in Europe’s protective shield.

The concluding question dealt with the collaboration between the Bundeswehr and industry: How can it be intensified? And what support could acatech provide in this regard? Michael Vetter explained that the industry has recognized the economic importance of defence goods. The changed definition of sustainable development by the EU also opens up new financing opportunities. The industry needs to develop ecosystems and the Bundeswehr must establish innovation partnerships as well as adapt contract awarding criteria. It is also important that industry and the Bundeswehr experiment, develop, and carry out tests together to enable the implementation of new technologies in practice.