German companies are increasingly exploring defence opportunities as geopolitical tensions drive demand. A new survey shows rising interest, with more firms planning to enter the sector in the coming years.
Hypersonica said its missile prototype exceeded Mach 6 and flew over 300 km in a recent test, as the company works toward a European hypersonic strike capability by 2029.
Germany and France have again postponed a decision on the Future Combat Air System, with no new timeline set. The governments cited wider foreign and security talks and unresolved industry disputes, leaving the future of Europe’s planned next-generation air combat system uncertain.
European defence company KNDS has confirmed plans to go public in 2026, with a stock market listing in both Paris and Frankfurt. The German-French group, manufactures the Leopard 2 main battle tank and the CAESAR artillery system.
Germany’s armed forces have signed a €1.7 billion contract with Rheinmetall for access to satellite-based reconnaissance data with regular radar images supplied through a partnership with Finnish satellite operator ICEYE.
Germany’s parliament will consider spending around €50 billion on defence this week, covering major arms procurement for the Bundeswehr, including Arrow 3 and Patriot air defence systems and Puma infantry fighting vehicles.
Lithuania has signed a contract to acquire 30 CAESAR 6×6 MkII artillery systems, expanding its future fleet to 48 units. Deliveries begin in 2027, with plans to field a full CAESAR-equipped division by 2030 and a maintenance centre in Lithuania.
Belgium has inaugurated a new large-calibre artillery shell production unit at KNDS Belgium’s facility in Petit-Roeulx-lez-Nivelles on Tuesday, expanding national and European munitions manufacturing capacity amid rising demand for defence production.
German defence company Rheinmetall and Finnish satellite maker ICEYE have established a joint venture to manufacture synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, Rheinmetall said on Friday. Rheinmetall holds a 60 percent stake in the project, while ICEYE holds 40 percent of shares.
The EU Council has endorsed Germany’s medium-term fiscal plan and activated the national escape clause, allowing limited temporary flexibility for higher defence spending under the Stability and Growth Pact. The clause permits deviation of up to 1.5% of GDP annually for four years while maintaining overall fiscal discipline.
