Let's Talk Defense: Hesse Steps Up Security Game
Enhancing Hesse's defensive capabilities through local political strategies - Boosting Hessen's Defense Capabilities Through New State Policies
In the face of escalating international conflicts, decision-makers in Hesse have put forth a strong case for beefing up defense capabilities within their own state. CDU faction leader Ines Claus voiced this sentiment in the Wiesbaden state parliament, stating, "Hesse is a key player in the defense industry." This sector is home to numerous companies, from innovative mid-sized businesses to international giants, all contributing to the defense capabilities of not only Germany but its allies as well.
With federal and European government investments steadily pouring into defense, Claus sees this as "an opportunity for Hesse's economic and technology hub." In addition to the arms industry, there are discussions about boosting military research in Hesse.
European Minister Manfred Pentz (CDU) underscores Hesse's strategic importance, "Hesse sits right in the heart of Europe: 'We've got no other way around us.'" As a logistics hub, NATO deployment area, and economically robust state, Hesse supports its arms industry to reinforce security at home and throughout Europe. Pentz unapologetically asserts, "The Bundeswehr is our insurance policy." Furthermore, the Bundeswehr is making a comeback in society by being visible, such as on public marketplaces.
Military deterrence is crucial in maintaining peace and preventing new military aggression. The ruling factions of the CDU and SPD recently submitted a motion titled "For a robust defense policy: Hesse makes its contribution." SPD parliamentarian Stephan Grüger emphasizes the significance of military deterrence, warning that, beware Russia could potentially test NATO by instigating an invasion of a Baltic country following the annexation of Crimea and ongoing war with Ukraine.
The opposition AfD's Lothar Mulch disagrees with issuing debt-financed special funds for strengthening the Bundeswehr. Mulch argues that "this money will end up in an inefficient and sluggish military procurement system, for which the CDU and SPD are responsible." He fears that hundreds of millions of euros will be wasted without any meaningful increase in combat power.
Supporting Hesse's Arms Industry
The Association of Hessian Entrepreneurs' Associations' managing director, Dirk Pollert, noted that Hesse's arms industry requires long-term stability, with "clear signals about needs, orders, and financial resources, and fewer barriers for contributors who protect our democracy."
Notably, certain Hessian universities have civic clauses that prohibit military research or research with military implications. Proponents of these clauses argue they maintain academic autonomy, whereas critics like FDP MP Moritz Promny see them as an "economic constraint" and a lack of confidence in the Bundeswehr. Bavaria has already banned these clauses through legislation, and Promny suggests "political courage instead of civic clauses" is the better approach.
Disregarding civic clauses, Grüger assures that there's no need to eliminate them. He quips, "It takes courage to have one's ass in the right place as well."
As the Green Party's Angela Dorn, former science minister, bid farewell to the state parliament, she took Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) to task for using the term "warfighting" in his push to modernize the Bundeswehr. Dorn felt this rhetoric was unnecessarily provocative, but given the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Pistorius believes it is essential to stir things up. In her final speech, Dorn quoted Russian leader Vladimir Putin, "Wherever the foot of a Russian soldier sets, that’s ours." Dorn received a standing ovation for her speech.
- In the ongoing discussions about boosting military research in Hesse, the need for a clear and long-term policy is emphasized, both to provide stability for the arms industry and to ensure that researchers contribute to the defense capabilities of not just Germany but also its allies.
- As conflicts and war-and-conflicts escalate on European soil, politics surrounding policy-and-legislation regarding defense and military deterrence have taken center stage, with debates focused on the allocation of resources, support for the arms industry, and the role of academia in military research.
