Defence
For manufacturers, suppliers and systems houses in the defence and security industry: export control, public procurement, investment screening and compliance from a single source.
These are the five areas where we most frequently advise manufacturers and suppliers.
Exports and international cooperation define this industry. Almost every step is subject to licensing requirements.
German Companies Abroad
Deliveries and cooperations from Germany require the right licence, and they require it before the first shipment leaves.
International Companies in Germany
The German market is open, but access to defence business and classified information is tied to firm conditions.
In this industry, projects rarely fail because of the technology. Usually a licence is missing, or the procurement procedure stalls.
Export control and procurement law interlock in this industry. We think both sides together instead of sending you back and forth between specialist firms.
BAFA, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, procurement chambers: we know which documents an application needs and where procedures typically get stuck.
Cooperation and supply agreements in the defence sector must properly reflect licensing conditions, end-use requirements and compliance. We keep that in view in every clause.
We work across borders and bring in foreign law through our network, without losing sight of German licensing obligations.
Talk to us early. Whether an export can be licensed or an investment is subject to screening is best clarified before the contracts are in place.
That depends on how the goods are classified. Defence goods on the German Export List and weapons of war are subject to foreign trade law and the War Weapons Control Act, dual-use goods to the EU Dual-Use Regulation. The competent authority is generally BAFA. Depending on the goods and the destination country, an individual licence, a collective licence or a general licence may come into consideration. We verify the classification and the appropriate licensing route before you deliver.
On 1 February 2026, a package of measures by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs came into force that is intended to speed up licensing procedures. The main facilitations concern intra-European defence cooperation, intra-group technology transfers and data storage on servers in European countries. The range of general licences was expanded. For companies with European partners, procedures can become noticeably shorter as a result.
As a rule, yes. The acquisition of German companies that manufacture defence goods or certain security-related products falls under investment screening pursuant to German foreign trade law. Notification obligations apply, and the review procedure at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs can delay closing or impose conditions. This review belongs in the M&A timetable from the outset.
Defence and security-specific contracts are awarded under the VSVgV, which has its own rules on suitability, security of supply and the protection of classified information. We support you from reviewing the tender documents and preparing the bid through to objections and review proceedings before the procurement chamber.
As soon as you handle classified information, you must ensure personnel and physical protection. This ranges from security clearance of your employees and technical and organisational safeguards to formal supervision by the competent authorities. We support you in setting this up and in meeting the requirements that contracting authorities impose by contract.
