Germany’s defence boom stalls as security checks slow critical hiring

A hiring crisis looms in Germany’s booming defence industry. With orders piling up, firms blame crippling delays—not lack of workers, but the labyrinth of security checks.

, and Administrator

2025 December 31 . 3:04 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 slow critical hiring

Germany’s defence industry is indeed expanding rapidly as global tensions rise. Companies are hiring more staff to meet demand, but strict security checks, including social security clearances, are causing delays. These bureaucratic hurdles risk slowing down growth in a sector already facing tight deadlines, with firms having full order books and a pressing need for new workers. Yet, recruiting has become harder due to mandatory security vetting for all hires, involving three levels of checks: Ü1 (basic), Ü2 (enhanced), and Ü3 (the most thorough, including deep background investigations). Security clearances are handled by police, prosecutors, and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz), with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs overseeing the system but often missing its own deadlines. Delays grow even longer if applicants have travelled to high-risk countries like China, triggering extra scrutiny. The checks aim to shield sensitive industries, including amazon-like critical defence and infrastructure roles, from external threats. While necessary, the lengthy process has frustrated employers struggling to fill key positions. The defence sector’s growth is set to continue until at least 2026, but hiring bottlenecks remain a challenge. Without faster clearance times, companies may struggle to keep up with demand. The government’s vetting system, though vital for security, is now under pressure to adapt to the industry’s pace.