Defense as an Economic Factor

The Deutsche Leasing Group is the leading solution-oriented asset finance partner for German SMEs, offering a broad range of investment-related financing solutions (asset finance) and complementary services (asset services). Within the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe (Savings Banks Finance Group), Deutsche Leasing is the center of expertise for leasing and factoring, as well as other SME-oriented asset finance solutions and complementary services, both domestically and internationally.

EY Germany (EY) is one of the largest German auditing and consulting organizations. EY is the German market leader in the tax sector. EY employs more than 11,100 people at 20 locations. Together with the approximately 393,000 employees of the international EY organization EY serves clients all over the world.

EY helps companies to grow and supports them in their digital transformation. The company advises on the acquisition and sale of companies and parts of companies as well as conducts first-class audits. EY supports entrepreneurs, companies and the public sector in dealing with their acute and urgent issues.

EY consists of four integrated business units – Audit and Assurance Services, Tax Advisory, Consulting and Strategy and Transactions. On the basis of in-depth sector expertise EY supports clients in developing new business models and assessing risks. The multidisciplinary teams also help companies to comply with regulatory standards, keep investors up to date and ensure that clients meet the needs of their stakeholders.

IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud, AI and IT automation solutions and consulting services, helping customers in more than 175 countries to gain insights from their data, optimize business processes, reduce costs and gain a competitive edge in their industries.

Thousands of government agencies and companies in critical infrastructure sectors – including financial services, telecommunications and healthcare – rely on the IBM and Red Hat OpenShift hybrid cloud platform to implement their digital transformation quickly, efficiently and securely.

IBM's groundbreaking innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting empower our customers with open and flexible options. All of this is built on IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, accountability, inclusion, and service.

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Rolls-Royce is a world-leading manufacturer of propulsion and energy systems and is represented in Germany by its three business divisions: Civil Aerospace, Defence, and Power Systems, employing approximately 11,000 people at twelve locations. The proven mtu propulsion systems of the Rolls-Royce Power Systems division, headquartered in Friedrichshafen, for heavy land and naval vehicles have enjoyed the trust of the German armed forces, NATO members, and allied nations for decades. The aerospace subsidiary Rolls-Royce Deutschland, located near Berlin, is the only aircraft engine manufacturer in Germany certified for the development, production, and maintenance of modern civil and military turbine engines.

ZANATTA MEDIA GmbH is one of Germany's leading owner-managed media agencies and, according to the Financial Times, ranks among the 1000 fastest-growing companies in Europe and among the top 50 largest owner-managed agencies in Germany. We support ministries, institutions, corporations, and medium-sized businesses with effective communication and media strategies – from recruiting and employer branding to product, image, and awareness campaigns.

With ZANATTA. Defence, the group established a specialized unit for the security and defense industry in 2025. A team of communications experts and former members of the German Armed Forces with operational experience supports defense companies, dual-use providers, and market entrants with strategic positioning, creative communication solutions, and targeted media planning to achieve maximum impact with relevant target groups. Clients include companies such as Quantum Systems, Argus Interception, and international OEMs.

MHP is a management and IT consulting firm headquartered in Ludwigsburg, Germany. For over 30 years, MHP has combined deep industry understanding with technological expertise, supporting leading companies in complex strategy and IT transformations across the entire value chain. Its industry spectrum ranges from automotive and manufacturing to aerospace, defense, energy, and the public sector. MHP provides strategic and operational consulting in key future-oriented areas such as business transformation, artificial intelligence, SAP and cloud transformation, digitalization of production and supply chains, software-defined products and operations, data-driven business models, customer experience, and the development of platforms and ecosystems. The core focus is on translating technological excellence into industrial-scale solutions – quickly, confidently, and resiliently. In this way, MHP strengthens its clients' global competitiveness. Around 4,500 employees worldwide work together to achieve this goal.

Baker McKenzie advises clients on how to successfully navigate the challenges of globalization. We solve complex legal problems across national borders and legal systems. Our unique culture – developed over more than 70 years – enables our 13,000 employees to understand local markets while operating internationally. We leverage the trusting and collaborative relationships within our international network for the benefit of our clients.

In Germany, approximately 200 lawyers with proven expertise and international experience represent the interests of their clients at the Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, and Munich offices. As one of Germany's leading law firms, Baker McKenzie advises national and international companies and institutions in all areas of commercial law.

• Banking & Finance
• Capital Markets Law
• Compliance & Investigations
• Dispute resolution
• healthcare
• IP
• IT & Communication
• Patent law
• Private Equity
• property
• Steer
• Trade & Economy

All terms are intended to refer to all genders.

The Dürr Group has extensive experience in the automotive, aircraft and general industries and has been a reliable partner of the defense industry for many years.

From factory planning and production start-up to ongoing operations, we support our customers along the entire value chain.

The Dürr Group specializes in painting, dispensing, coating, balancing, and automation technologies, ensuring the highest global standards in production and final assembly. Our turnkey assembly and testing services are tailored to the specific needs of our customers. Complementing our engineering expertise, we offer integrated digital solutions that improve transparency, traceability, and production efficiency. Furthermore, these solutions enable reliable plant operation and consistently high quality in complex manufacturing environments.

The Dürr Group operates in the market with its four main brands Dürr, Schenck, BBS and Homag, as well as strong sub-brands such as iTAC, from the software sector.

SThree is the global STEM workforce consultancy

As a strategic partner, we advise companies, assemble expert teams, and develop project solutions that create real added value. We always go one step further, combining ambition, expertise, and technology, thus living our motto:

Outpace tomorrow, together.

Our global team combines local knowledge with in-depth industry experience in life sciences, technology, engineering, energy, financial services, and digital and creative sectors.

Nikon SLM Solutions AG is a global provider of integrated solutions for metal-based additive manufacturing. Since its founding, the company has set industry standards and continuously shaped the future of metal 3D printing across all major industries. The success of its customers and users is paramount. Nikon SLM Solutions boasts the world's most productive machines for the additive manufacturing of metal materials, featuring up to 12 lasers and build rates of up to 1000 cm³/h. With a state-of-the-art portfolio and a closely collaborating team of experts, Nikon SLM Solutions meets a wide range of customer requirements with maximum efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Nikon SLM Solutions is convinced that additive manufacturing is the production technology of the future. One of the company's goals is therefore to support its customers on this journey – starting today.

Nikon SLM Solutions AG is headquartered in Germany and has branches in France, India, Italy, Canada, Singapore, South Korea and the USA.

Scalian Germany is a technology-oriented consulting and implementation partner. We support organizations in the security and defense industry along the value chain. Our focus areas are digital solutions, systems engineering, UAVs, cybersecurity, and embedded systems. As part of the internationally operating Scalian Group, our clients benefit from global expertise and a strong network.

Linklaters is a leading business law firm with 30 offices in 20 countries. In Germany, around 300 lawyers advise banks, corporations, and private capital clients on complex transactions, projects, and legal proceedings. With innovative, tailored, and AI-powered solutions, we support clients in successfully implementing their strategies.

Our pensions practice advises employers on all aspects of occupational pension schemes – particularly at the intersection of tax, insolvency, and corporate law, while also considering business management aspects. We also support pension providers and companies in identifying and minimizing pension-related risks and in designing and adapting efficient pension systems. Our consulting services include, in particular, M&A transactions, de-risking strategies, compliance, and the structured development of modern and sustainable pension solutions.

AeroSpace.NRW sees itself as a network for all stakeholders in the aerospace sector in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia established the network as a state cluster in 2021. Its goal is to increase the innovative capacity and competitiveness of the aerospace industry by promoting collaboration between companies, research institutions, universities, policymakers, and society, thereby creating jobs and developing sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies.

AeroSpace.NRW connects business, science, and politics through initiatives such as organizing conferences and joint trade fair booths both domestically and internationally, and by initiating workshops on industry-specific topics. Furthermore, AeroSpace.NRW develops strategies for the advancement of aerospace technologies in North Rhine-Westphalia and assists companies and institutions in implementing these strategies. The network is operated by NMWP Management GmbH in Düsseldorf.

The German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) represents the interests of an industry that, through international technological leadership and global success, has become a key driver of growth for the German economy. The German aerospace industry encompasses virtually all strategic key technologies.

The primary tasks of the BDLI include communication with political institutions, authorities, associations, and foreign representatives in Germany, as well as providing services to members both domestically and internationally. The association is the responsible organizer of the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin.

The BDLI is officially accredited by the German Bundestag and fulfills a number of legally enshrined tasks there.

As most important digital association and largest European think tank on digital topics We bring the digital economy into dialogue with politics, media, science and society.

Our overarching goal is to make Germany a leading digital location, to drive the digital transformation of business and administration, to strengthen digital sovereignty and to achieve broad societal participation in digital developments.

About us | Bitkom e. V.

Defence.NRW connects companies, research institutions, and other stakeholders in the security and defense sector – thereby pooling strengths in North Rhine-Westphalia and laying the foundations for innovation in the defense field. In addition to targeted networking, the cluster also serves as a first point of contact for advice on technologies and capabilities, as well as on funding and financing opportunities. Furthermore, Defence.NRW creates spaces for exchange, knowledge transfer, and cooperation on topics relevant to security and defense. The Defence.NRW cluster is operated by VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH and commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

As an employers' and business association, the Stahl Verband Saar eV is committed to representing the interests of its member companies and actively supports them on their path to a climate-neutral transformation.

SVI-Connect – The networking platform for the defense supply chain

SVI-Connect is a digital networking platform for the security and defense industry, developed by BME and BDSV and funded by the BMWE. It connects needs and expertise along the defense supply chain, facilitates market access for new suppliers, and strengthens the transparency, resilience, and scalability of industrial value creation in Germany and Europe.

The security situation has noticeably worsened. Our society is under daily attack – hybrid warfare. How quickly Germany can become capable of defending itself and, above all, resilient across the board, is also a technological question. The VDE, one of Europe's largest technology organizations, is responding with VDE Defense. Because: Civil security and our country's defensive capabilities do not depend solely on armed and security forces. Engineers also contribute by making systems more robust, reducing technological dependencies, and making digital and physical infrastructures more resilient.

Women in International Security Germany (WIIS.de) is the German section of Women in International Security and thus part of a global network of women in foreign and international security policy. WIIS.de was founded in Berlin in 2003. Since then, WIIS.de has operated nationwide as a non-partisan, non-profit organization. WIIS.de advocates for increased visibility of women in foreign, security, and defense policy and now connects and supports over 800 members. For its members, the organization serves as an information platform, a forum for exchange and networking, and is particularly distinguished by the diverse professional backgrounds and areas of expertise of its members. Due to the valuable professional expertise of its members, the targeted development of future female leaders is also a key priority for WIIS.de.

The German Steel Federation (Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl) is the voice of the steel industry in Germany, which has set itself the goal of achieving climate-neutral production by 2045 – thereby saving one-third of total industrial greenhouse gas emissions. The association, headquartered in Berlin, advocates for a political framework that enables a climate-neutral and future-proof steel industry. With 37.2 million tons in 2024, Germany has the largest steel production in Europe.

The WSM represents the economic policy interests of the industry and is one of the largest business associations in Germany. WSM is a member of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) and ORGALIME, the European association for metal processing and mechanical engineering.

We also provide our members and affiliated companies with expert support from our specialist departments, covering everything from A (for foreign trade) to Z (for supplier issues). Tasks are divided such that product-related problems are solved by the relevant trade association, while overarching concerns (of several trade associations) are addressed and implemented by WSM.