Plans for the German armed forces’ digital modernization, involving collaboration with US tech giant Google, are facing scrutiny from members of the German Parliament. The proposed partnership would see the federal IT system house, BWI, working with Google as part of the broader digitalization effort within the Bundeswehr.
Roderich Kiesewetter, a Member of Parliament for the CDU, expressed security policy concerns, stating a reassessment of the project is warranted. He advocates for prioritizing German or European solutions to build capabilities, including digital infrastructure, to avoid potential geopolitical vulnerabilities or constraints.
Konstantin von Notz, Deputy Leader of the Green Party’s parliamentary group, similarly questioned the plans, calling for a thorough examination of alternative providers that might pose fewer risks and lessen geopolitical considerations. He specifically urged a reduction in dependencies on US cloud providers, particularly given current uncertainties in transatlantic relations and the unpredictability demonstrated by US President Donald Trump. He cited Trump’s imposition of sanctions on the International Criminal Court and the subsequent deactivation of an email account belonging to the ICC’s chief prosecutor by Microsoft as an example of potential ramifications for the military sphere.
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chairwoman of the Defence and Security Committee in the European Parliament, offered a different perspective. She believes that genuine security risks within the proposed Google Cloud arrangement are minimal, emphasizing that operational control of the data would remain with the Bundeswehr. She clarified that the data would be stored in Germany within BWI-operated data centers and therefore would not be subject to US jurisdiction, maintaining “full control” for the military.
