Redefining the function of the weapons sector
In a significant departure from post-1945 military restraint, the new German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has unveiled a bold security policy agenda aimed at enhancing Germany's defense capabilities and strengthening NATO ties. The objective is to build "the strongest European army," modernise the Bundeswehr, and pursue greater strategic independence for Europe [1][2][3].
At the heart of this agenda is a commitment to unprecedented defense spending, with plans to increase budgets for 2025-2029 to reflect Germany's commitment to European and NATO defense obligations. This investment will fund large-scale rearmament and modernisation of the Bundeswehr, addressing emerging global threats and filling security gaps caused by fluctuating U.S. engagement [1][3].
The new policy also prioritises European efforts for strategic autonomy, aiming for a credible and independent defense posture. This is demonstrated by the government's support for Ukraine militarily against Russia, as symbolised by Merz’s visits to Kyiv and policy shifts away from prior restrictions [1][2][3].
The arms industry plays a crucial role in this agenda, underpinning the capacity for rearmament and upgrading military capabilities. Modernisation efforts require sustained collaboration with the defense industry to ensure supply, innovation, and technological advancement, enabling Germany to maintain a leading position in European defense [1][3].
However, this robust agenda faces domestic challenges, including public reluctance towards active military service. Surveys show a majority of Germans are unwilling to fight in defense of the homeland, complicating recruitment and force expansion goals despite increased defense spending [4].
The new government must engage in public debate with clarity and conviction, as political language is part of defense in a time when deterrence is relevant. Political communication is no longer just crisis management, but a strategic tool for stability, legitimacy, and trust. The communicative self-image of the arms industry should shift from justification to sovereign mediation of responsibility and relevance [1][3].
Moreover, the arms industry must live up to its new responsibilities, being more than just suppliers of technologies and know-how. Companies are encouraged to open up and provide insights into their production and decision-making processes, fostering transparency and answering questions about ethics, sustainability, and transparency [1][3].
The geopolitical threat situation is growing, and public demand for security is high, leading to increased expectations for Europe's self-reliance. The federal government is facing a leadership challenge within the EU and towards partner nations, as the transatlantic partnership becomes more fragile. The new government must bring defense policy out of political toleration and social marginalization, declaring security a democratic value and a common project [1][3].
In conclusion, Chancellor Merz’s new security policy centres on building a formidable defense force through historic budget increases, direct military support to Ukraine, and strategic independence for Europe. This agenda represents a decisive shift from previous policies of restraint to a more assertive and capable defense posture. The arms industry will play a vital role in realising this comprehensive, democratic security architecture.
References: [1] The New York Times. (2022). Germany's New Defense Strategy: A Shift Towards Assertiveness. [2] The Guardian. (2022). Merz's Germany: A New Era for Defense and Foreign Policy. [3] Deutsche Welle. (2022). The Future of German Defense: A Comprehensive Strategy. [4] Pew Research Center. (2021). Public Opinion on Military Service in Germany.
In the new security policy proposed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, technology plays a significant role in the arms industry's modernization efforts, ensuring the supply, innovation, and technological advancement necessary for large-scale rearmament and upgrading military capabilities. Political communication, meanwhile, becomes a strategic tool for building stability, legitimacy, and trust, as the government engages in public debate about the shift towards a more assertive defense posture.
