The German Defense-Industrial Zeitenwende: Implications for Transatlantic Security

Authors

Brett Swaney, Center for Strategy and Military Power, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Files

Description

The Zeitenwende, or “watershed moment”—announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in February 2022, days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—outlined a set of policy shifts, including the development of Germany’s first-ever National Security Strategy, that appeared to signal a greater role for Germany in the defense and security of Europe. The German National Security Strategy draws a clear connection between the need for a robust defense-industrial base and the foundation for the capabilities needed to meet North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) defense and deterrence commitments, support Ukraine, and provide for the recapitalization of allies and partners. To date, however, there has been less focus on the extent to which the Zeitenwende galvanized change in Germany’s important defense-industrial base. This study assesses the extent to which the strategic shift signaled by the Zeitenwende is reflected and being implemented in Germany’s defense-industrial base policy and the implications for transatlantic security.

Document Type

Strategic Perspectives

Topic(s)

National Security, NATO, Transatlantic Security

Publication Date

6-2025

Publication

INSS Strategic Perspectives

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, D.C.

Keywords

German Defense-Industrial Zeitenwende, NATO, Transatlantic Security, Defense Industrial Base, Defense Industry, Deterrence

Disciplines

Defense and Security Studies | Military History | Peace and Conflict Studies | Public Policy

Recommended Citation

Swaney, Brett, "The German Defense-Industrial Zeitenwende: Implications for Transatlantic Security" (2025). INSS Strategic Perspectives. 43.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/inss-strategic-perspectives/43