Overview
- Economics Minister Dirk Panter urged a frank discussion on arms-industry projects, arguing Germany must be economically capable of defense.
- He acknowledged protests in Görlitz and Großenhain over planned settlements, asking opponents what alternative they propose to jobs and industrial renewal.
- Panter framed a stronger industrial base as deterrence and the safeguarding of peace rather than preparation for war.
- During a tour, he highlighted Saxon suppliers including MWK Defence in Königswartha, SPEKON in Seifhennersdorf, PMG in Wilsdruff, and Rohde & Schwarz in Dresden.
- The ministry counts roughly 80 supplier firms with more than 2,000 employees producing electronics, sensorics, optics, precision parts, IT security and software, and vehicle technologies, and no new federal allocations or site approvals were announced.