Organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Thuringian State Development Corporation LEG Thüringen and the three Thuringian Chambers of Industry and Commerce, the forum was held under the motto: “Shaping security together – reliable procurement, strong partnerships and regionally anchored value chains”.
The aim of the kick-off event was to open up new perspectives in defense and security technology for Thuringian companies from the automotive and mechanical engineering sectors, as well as other industries. In the wake of the automotive crisis, many companies see this as an opportunity for additional orders and markets.
In his presentation, Professor Michael Eßig from the Bundeswehr University Munich explained the processes of defense technology procurement and emphasized the crucial importance of resilient, innovative supply chain management. Thuringia's Minister-President Mario Voigt highlighted the state's central location and its scientific and industrial strength – in areas such as optics, photonics, and aerospace – and saw great potential for dual-use products.
As a result, interest in further formats of this kind was reaffirmed. Platforms for personal discussions, exchange on Bundeswehr procurement processes, and potential collaborations are planned for the future. One thing is clear: Thuringia supports the participation of its medium-sized companies in the future-oriented defense and security technology sector.
