Modernizing the Bundeswehr with Jens Plötner at the Helm
Former advisor to Scholz assumes role as Armaments State Secretary, as identified by Jens Plötner. - Ex-Advisor to Scholz Takes on Role of Defence Secretary; Jens Plötner Steps into Prominent Military Position
Get ready for a change in the German Ministry of Defense, as Jens Plötner, the ex-foreign policy advisor to former Chancellor Olaf Scholz, is taking up the role of State Secretary for Armaments and Innovation. The official announcement made by Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) confirms the appointment, effective this summer. Jan Stoess, the current head of the legal department, will also join the leadership team with a new State Secretary position.
Jens Plötner, a seasoned diplomat and politician, boasts a global network in politics and industry from his time as Scholz's advisor. As the Armaments State Secretary, Plötner will streamline procurement, spearhead crucial European armaments initiatives, and integrate novel innovative technologies for the Bundeswehr (German military), as explained by the Defense Ministry.
Strengthening the Bundeswehr is a significant security policy objective for the current government. The ministry already reports historic numbers and order volumes, a testament to their efforts. With the recent exemption from debt brake rules for part of military spending, the ministry is poised to make massive investments in modernization.
This new appointment marks the departure of Benedikt Zimmer, the incumbent State Secretary for Armaments since 2017. Meanwhile, Stoess, a full jurist and former head of the legal and organizational department, will step into the new position due to the increased workload and mounting pressure from security situation changes.
In his previous roles, Plötner, an alumnus of prestigious universities such as Hamburg, Bordeaux, and the Sorbonne, gained diverse experiences in law, political science, and international relations. As the responsible State Secretary, Plötner's expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the future of German defense and armament strategies.
Jens Plotner, in his new role as State Secretary for Armaments and Innovation, will leverage his extensive experience as a former advisor to Olaf Scholz to streamline procurement, lead European armaments initiatives, and integrate innovative technologies within the Federal Army. Boris Pistorius, Minister of Defence, announced this appointment, marking a shift in the politics of defense policy-and-legislation, general news.
