The arms industry in Schleswig-Holstein is booming: more orders, more jobs!

The arms industry in Schleswig-Holstein is booming: more orders, more jobs!

The armaments and defense technology industry in Schleswig-Holstein is on the verge of an impressive upswing. Loud esut.de The region is experiencing an economic upswing, fueled by continued defense spending and foreign markets. This is illustrated by a survey by the Defense Technology Working Group, which included 23 companies with almost 7,000 employees. Many of these companies are planning to create new jobs and at the same time invest in modern infrastructure.

A decisive factor for this upswing is the so-called 100 billion euro special fund for the Bundeswehr. Almost 90 percent of employees in the industry expect to benefit from this program. Despite the positive developments, the shortage of skilled workers remains a challenge that needs to be overcome.

Growth and challenges

The increase is particularly noticeable among companies operating in Kiel and the surrounding area. This city has established itself as a center of military technology ndr.de reported. Employment and investment are reaching new highs here, while at the same time the land systems industry, such as tank construction at Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG), is growing rapidly. This company even plans to invest up to 75 million euros in a new location, with production scheduled to start in 2027.

Kiel was able to generate thousands of new jobs, which gave the regional economy a strong boost. There are now almost 40 defense technology companies active in Schleswig-Holstein, employing a total of around 9,000 people - the highest number since reunification. Exports remain a key growth driver, and many companies rely on international business.

International role and support for Ukraine

Another interesting aspect is the support for Ukraine that some companies continue to provide through material deliveries, repairs and even training. For the most part, it is large system providers who are active here, while smaller companies are less affected. Nevertheless, the public discourse about future contract awarding after the expiry of the special fund harbors uncertainties that make planning difficult for many companies.

Overall, it can be seen that despite the challenges caused by the shortage of skilled workers and political uncertainty, the defense companies in Schleswig-Holstein are optimistic about the future. With a clear focus on innovative technologies and strong export markets, the region has the potential to become one of the leaders in international defense technology.