Short paths, streamlined processes

The latest developments and innovations must be made available to the troops quickly. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) likely hopes to have come a step closer to this goal, set a few months ago, with the opening of the Federal Armed Forces Innovation Center in Erding, Bavaria. The head of the InnoZBw is Flottillenadmiral Christian Bock, who previously served as the head of the „Drones“ department in the Federal Ministry of Defense.

The changing security situation in Europe and new military technologies pose immense challenges for armed forces such as the German Bundeswehr. Not least in regard to unmanned systems, the pace of innovation in military technology is currently faster than it has been for a long time. To keep pace, pathways must be shortened, and processes streamlined. These are goals actively pursued through the establishment of the Federal Armed Forces Innovation Center. It aims to create a space where exchanges between the military and industry are facilitated. A place where „smart minds and the latest technologies come together closely“, as stated in a press release from the Federal Ministry of Defense on the occasion of today’s opening event, which was also attended by Bavarian Prime Minister Dr. Markus Söder (CSU).

„The site in Erding, Bavaria, offers ideal conditions due to its proximity to the innovation environment of the Munich metropolitan region, with its start-up scene, industry, and universities“, emphasized Minister Pistorius during the official opening of the InnoZBw. „Furthermore, the Bavarian state government aims to promote the establishment of civilian research, companies, and start-ups on the former Erding airfield with the initiative for an innovation campus ‘Defence Lab Erding’.”  

Image: Federal Ministry of Defense