Significant structural obstacles are hindering the modernization of the German armed forces, according to Sven Weizenegger, head of the Bundeswehr’s Cyber Innovation Hub. In an interview with RTL and n-tv, Weizenegger indicated that procedural limitations, rather than a lack of technological capabilities, are frequently impeding progress.
The Bundeswehr possesses a wide array of technological options, yet their implementation is often slowed by established processes. Weizenegger attributes this to decades of prioritizing peacetime operations. “The dividends of peace over the last 30 years have led to processes and procedures being geared toward peacetime” he explained, acknowledging the appropriateness of that historical focus. However, he emphasized that these structures are no longer aligned with the current security environment.
The challenges extend beyond the armed forces, reflecting a broader issue within the public and civilian sectors. “We see this everywhere, that we are not fast enough to get things into effect” Weizenegger stated. A key objective is to rapidly scale successful projects, ensuring that the Bundeswehr can utilize the jointly tested solutions as efficiently as possible. The Cyber Innovation Hub, acting as a crucial link between soldiers and start-up companies, actively seeks innovative solutions in response to directly reported challenges from military personnel.
The Hub’s mandate aims to expedite the integration of new technologies, striving to deliver and implement necessary innovations within a timeframe of just three months. This focuses on bridging the gap between emerging technology and operational deployment.
