The National Security Council convened on Tuesday, chaired by Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU), to discuss NATO’s defense plans and Germany’s contribution to overall defense. This was reported in the evening by government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.
The Council examined the material development of the German armed forces (Bundeswehr). Kornelius stated that the discussions highlighted the necessity of further expansion in unmanned systems across all dimensions, focusing on drone defense capabilities, air defense, and long-range weapon systems. This also includes the “responsible military use of AI systems.” Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasized the importance of a national and European defense industrial base that is technologically innovative, internationally competitive, scalable, and cooperative.
The National Security Council also addressed the evolving security situation in outer space and the security policy priorities of Germany’s space policy. A review of the implementation status of the space security strategy was conducted, and it was decided that the space security architecture would be further strengthened through space research and development.
Additionally, the Council continued focusing on expanding the government’s crisis response capacity, taking into account recent developments in AI security.
Another agenda item involved examining the legal framework for intelligence service activities. Kornelius explained that the Council discussed reviewing the rules concerning secondary activities for civil servants and soldiers, as well as activities after retirement or upon leaving civil service or military service.
Finally, the National Security Council reviewed the violent civil unrest that occurred the previous weekend and offered thanks to the emergency services for their work.
