Germany’s defence boom stalls as security checks delay critical hires for years

A surge in defence contracts collides with bureaucracy: firms wait 18 months for security approvals. Can reforms save Germany’s military-industrial momentum?

, and Administrator

2025 December 31 . 3:05 AM

1 min read

This picture contains panzers placed on the white color cloth. In the background, it is white in... — This picture contains panzers placed on the white color cloth. In the background, it is white in color.

Germany’s defence boom stalls as security checks delay critical hires for years

Germany’s defence industry is expanding rapidly, driven by rising NATO budgets and global tensions like the war in Ukraine. Yet companies face a major obstacle: lengthy security clearance checks that delay hiring for months or even years.

Industry leaders describe the process as an 'absolute bottleneck', slowing down recruitment despite strong demand.

The vetting system for defence roles involves three clearance levels—Ü1, Ü2, and Ü3—each requiring in-depth background checks. Authorities review criminal records, extremist links, and travel history, particularly trips to high-risk countries like China. Some cases drag on for up to 18 months, leaving positions unfilled.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is pushing to simplify these checks, while the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, under Katharina Reiche (CDU), is also working to speed up the process. The delays come as the sector expects steady growth until at least 2026, fuelled by increased military spending across NATO. Companies warn that without faster clearances, they will struggle to meet rising production needs. The current system, designed for thoroughness, now risks holding back the industry’s ability to respond to growing orders.

Reforms to the security clearance process are underway, but businesses still face months of waiting for new staff. With defence contracts increasing, the pace of hiring will depend on how quickly bureaucratic hurdles can be reduced. The government’s changes aim to balance security needs with the industry’s urgent demand for workers.