Domestic
IfW president criticizes Defense Minister Pistorius over misguided investments
The president of the Institute for World Economy (IfW) calls for a focus on modern weapon systems and criticizes investments in outdated technology.
Marcellus Schularick, the president of the Institute for World Economy (IfW), has sharply criticized Defense Minister Boris Pistorius for his armament investments in the Bundeswehr. Schularick accuses Pistorius of pouring funds into outdated technology instead of aligning Germany's defense capabilities with modern weapon systems.
According to Schularick, a reform of arms procurement is necessary, with a stronger emphasis on forward-looking technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones. This stands in stark contrast to current investments in tanks and frigates, which are viewed as insufficiently contemporary.
The discussion surrounding the modernization of the Bundeswehr is further fueled by Schularick's demands, with Transport Minister Volker Bilger also indicating a prompt improvement of drone defense at airports. These developments are being tracked in an ongoing live blog by various media outlets.