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German Defence Minister Urges Civilian Researchers to Embrace Military Applications

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 13:35 GMT by reuters.com

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German Defence Minister Urges Civilian Researchers to Embrace Military Applications

Berlin, Nov. 21 2025 – In a high‑profile address to the German aerospace community, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius called on civilian scientists and technologists to view their work through a “dual‑use” lens, urging them to consider how the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and autonomous systems could be leveraged to strengthen Germany’s armed forces. The remarks were made during a briefing at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Berlin and were widely interpreted as a signal that Berlin is ready to bridge the traditional gap between academia and the military.

A Strategic Shift in German Defence Policy

Pistorius’s speech came at a pivotal moment for German defence policy. The Bundestag recently approved a 2025 defence budget of €62 billion, a 12 percent rise that brings Germany’s defence spending to roughly 3.5 percent of GDP – a level that aligns with NATO’s collective defence target. In addition to the budget increase, the ministry announced a new “Technology Initiative” aimed at accelerating the development and acquisition of advanced weapons systems, including high‑precision air‑to‑ground missiles and next‑generation cyber‑defence platforms.

The minister noted that “Germany’s security environment is changing rapidly. The threat posed by Russia’s aggressive posture and the proliferation of autonomous weaponry in the region require that we accelerate the integration of cutting‑edge technology into our military capabilities.” Pistorius emphasized that civilian research has historically contributed to German military superiority, citing the role of the Max Planck Society’s work in radar technology during the Cold War. He urged scientists to “embrace the potential of their innovations for the protection of our people and our sovereignty.”

Dual‑Use Research: The Frontier of Defence Innovation

Central to Pistorius’s message was the concept of “dual‑use” – technologies that can serve both civilian and military purposes. The minister highlighted three key areas where civilian research can directly feed into defence capabilities:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
   Pistorius pointed out that the same AI algorithms used to optimise logistics in the commercial sector can be adapted to predict enemy movements or manage battlefield logistics in real time. He referenced a recent study by the German Institute for Applied Information Technology (DAI) that demonstrated how unsupervised learning can detect anomalies in drone traffic, a capability that could be repurposed for air‑space defence.

2. Quantum Computing and Secure Communications
   He cited the European Quantum Flagship’s German partner institutions, which are developing quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. These protocols could secure communications between German warships and aircraft, ensuring that encrypted data remains unbreakable by potential adversaries.

3. Autonomous Systems and Swarm Robotics
   Pistorius highlighted ongoing research at the Fraunhofer Institute for Autonomous Intelligent Systems (ISIP), where teams are exploring swarm behaviour in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). He suggested that such technology could be employed for reconnaissance or as a deterrent force in contested airspace.

Institutional Support and Funding Mechanisms

To operationalise the minister’s vision, the Defence Ministry announced the creation of a “Civil‑Military Innovation Fund” (CMIF), which will provide seed funding for joint projects between universities and the Bundeswehr. The CMIF will operate in partnership with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). Pistorius explained that the fund would cover up to 50 percent of research costs for projects that demonstrate tangible military applicability.

Moreover, the ministry will collaborate with the newly established “Joint Research Hub” at the Technische Universität München (TUM) to develop a shared cyber‑defence lab. This lab will focus on developing resilient network architectures that can withstand sophisticated cyber‑attacks, a capability that the ministry believes will become increasingly critical in the “information age.”

International Context and EU Defence Coordination

Pistorius contextualised Germany’s initiative within the broader European defence landscape. He quoted a recent statement by the European Defence Agency (EDA), which calls for greater cooperation among member states on dual‑use technology. The minister noted that Germany’s efforts will dovetail with the EU’s “Digital Defence Strategy,” aiming to create a secure digital environment for both civilians and military forces.

He also referenced the NATO Defence Investment Report, which highlighted a gap in high‑tech capabilities between the United States and European allies. Pistorius emphasized that “by fostering a culture of innovation in civilian research institutions, Germany can help close that gap and strengthen collective security.”

Reactions from the Scientific Community

The German scientific community has responded with cautious enthusiasm. Dr. Anna Krau, director of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Physics at the University of Heidelberg, said, “We are eager to see how our research can contribute to national security, but we must also safeguard the integrity of scientific inquiry. It will be crucial that the partnership frameworks respect the openness that drives discovery.”

Meanwhile, the German Association of Aerospace Engineers (VDMA) welcomed the minister’s outreach, stating that “civilian‑military collaboration has historically been a catalyst for innovation in aerospace and will continue to be a cornerstone of Germany’s defence strategy.”

Looking Forward

Pistorius concluded his address by reminding the audience that the German armed forces are “not merely a defensive instrument; they are also a technological front that safeguards the nation’s freedom.” He urged researchers to adopt a proactive stance, “to view their work not only as a contribution to society but also as a potential asset in safeguarding the country.”

The speech has already sparked a flurry of activity within research institutions. Several universities have announced new joint ventures with the Bundeswehr, and the first proposals for the Civil‑Military Innovation Fund are expected to be submitted by the end of the year.

In a rapidly evolving security environment, Germany’s decision to actively integrate civilian research into its defence strategy marks a decisive step towards a more resilient and technologically advanced military. Whether this approach will translate into tangible battlefield advantages remains to be seen, but the momentum generated by Pistorius’s call to action suggests that Germany is poised to reshape the future of defence innovation.