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Security and defence research

Our security relies on research and technology, as the world is undergoing massive upheaval. The changed geopolitical situation, along with new security threats, natural and human-induced disasters as well as criminal, terrorist, hybrid and direct military threats, clearly demonstrate this. Digital threats are also evolving rapidly: disinformation (i.e. targeted fake news) influences the public and ultimately threatens democracy. Cyberattacks can cripple critical infrastructure and quantum computers threaten to breach conventional cryptographic methods. Cyber security is becoming a fundamental requirement for a resilient society. The goal must be integrated security – as set out in the National Security Strategy – working both domestically and internationally and addressing the full range of security risks, including medium-term and long-term threats. Technical innovation and a resilient society are essential to guarantee security in Germany as the foundation for future sovereignty and competitiveness. To this end, the synergies between civilian and military research and development will also be utilised. Through the Federal Government’s framework programme ‘Research for Civil Security’ and the ‘Security Research Innovation Lab’, we are accelerating the transfer of innovative solutions into practice via demonstration and testing environments, while also strengthening the innovation ecosystem for integrated security. 

Selected technology-driven projects

  • We will support cooperation between civilian and military research and development in selected technology fields through ‘Innovation Hubs for Security and Defence’. In a dialogue process between with civilian and military users and providers of security solutions, including start-ups, synergies between civilian and military research are to be identified and utilised in order to develop innovative solutions. Research infrastructures that allow work under heightened security requirements should also be utilised. The first hub is planned for the end of 2026, with further hubs to follow in succession. 

  • This year, we are publishing a 6G research roadmap for developing secure and resilient next-generation communication technologies, with a focus through to 2030. The first milestone in the roadmap is the creation of four 6G transfer hubs in Q1/2026, which will provide extensive research, testing and validation infrastructures for academia and industry. This will enable the creation of transfer-focused ecosystems and the strategic strengthening and safeguarding of the underlying innovation and value creation chains. The roadmap also covers the value-driven strengthening of national and European development, specification and standardisation efforts as well as the expansion of international cooperation, particularly with partners who share our values.

  •  We are aligning cyber security research with the changed threat scenario through a new research framework programme, strengthening the cyber resilience of industry, academia, civil society and the state. We are systematically expanding cooperation, particularly with European partners who share our values. To this end, Germany will play a key role in shaping European research programmes, such as the Cybersecurity Cluster in the EU’s 10th research framework programme, and initiatives such as the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). We are also strengthening trustworthy cyber security technologies and secure ‘Made in Germany’ communication solutions with a new funding programme from 2025 to accelerate transfer from science into practice. 

  • We are exploring the possibility of using funding instruments provided by the Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovations (SPRIND) for the defence sector.