Kiel Institute head criticizes German defense minister over procurement

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Aug 13, 2026, 03:00 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-13-0300
Kiel Institute head criticizes German defense minister over procurement
Photo: FAZ

Kiel Institute President Moritz Schularick has criticized Defense Minister Boris Pistorius for focusing German defense spending on legacy hardware rather than next-generation tech.

Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), has renewed criticism of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius regarding military procurement strategies through 2030. Schularick stated that defense spending remains excessively focused on conventional equipment, including tanks and frigates, rather than modern technology designed for future conflicts.

The critique highlights ongoing domestic debates surrounding the modernization of the Bundeswehr as Germany expands its defense expenditure. While the Defense Ministry continues implementing current procurement programs to rebuild traditional military capabilities, economists and security analysts advocate directing more resources toward next-generation warfare systems.

Sources: Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau

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