Berlin's arms sector undergoes rapid expansion, nearly doubling its dimensions within a span of four months
Berlin and the nearby region of Brandenburg are witnessing a significant surge in their respective arms industries, marking a notable transition from traditional industries to defense production. This transformation is evident in various sectors, including the production of miniature satellites, encryption systems, medical exoskeletons, and underwater sensors in Berlin [1].
One of the most striking examples of this change can be seen at Pierburg, a former car parts manufacturer in Berlin's Wedding district. The company is now transitioning to produce artillery ammunition components for Rheinmetall [2]. This metamorphosis has taken place quietly, securing the jobs of Pierburg's 350 employees, according to works council chairman Bernd Benninghaus, who described the change as a "win" for the company [2].
The city of Berlin's arms industry is experiencing rapid growth, with the number of dual-use companies in the sector doubling from 50 to 100, as reported by the city's business development agency Berlin Partner on August 12 [3]. This expansion aligns with Germany’s strategic ambitions to revitalize and lead European defense capabilities [4].
Brandenburg is also experiencing increasing activity in its arms industry, although specific numbers have been withheld for security reasons. A site in Brandenburg, previously producing Kalashnikov ammunition for the GDR, now produces ammunition for the Bundeswehr, with demand significantly increasing since the war in Ukraine [5].
The war in Ukraine has also led to a significant increase in demand for ammunition production in Brandenburg. This increased demand has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the arson attack on a suspected arms supplier in Wuhlheide, Brandenburg, carried out by left-wing activists [6].
The growth of Berlin's dual-use and arms industry is a result of strategic national and European defense ambitions, geopolitical pressures, and expanding investment in dual-use technologies [1][2][3][4][5]. The economic benefits, such as increased employment, high-tech innovation, and productivity spillovers, are acknowledged [3]. However, there remains public skepticism due to ethical and social concerns about militarization and the dual-use dilemma [3].
In Lübben, Brandenburg, the decision to produce ammunition has resulted in a local divide, with some welcoming the job creation, while others have started a petition with 1,600 signatures against the plant, citing opposition to arms buildup in their community [7]. This mixed reaction underscores the complexities surrounding Berlin and Brandenburg's growing arms industries, as they navigate economic gains with societal debate over Germany’s evolving defense posture.
References:
- Berlin's Arms Industry Doubles in Size
- Pierburg Transitions to Artillery Ammunition Production
- Berlin's Dual-Use Companies Boom
- Germany Aims to Lead European Defense
- Brandenburg's Arms Industry Grows
- Arson Attack on Suspected Arms Supplier
- Local Opposition to Arms Buildup in Lübben
