The defense industry is gaining importance in Germany, with almost four out of ten respondents seeing it as making a significant contribution to the security of Germany and Europe. In addition, 20% of Germans have a more favorable opinion of the sector today than in 2022. The respondents found the exciting technologies (29%) and opportunities for international collaboration (21%) particularly attractive aspects of working in the defense industry.
A recent representative survey has revealed that many German citizens view the defense industry as a meaningful field of work that makes an important contribution to security. At the same time, measures are needed to modernize the industry and make it more transparent.
Just under four out of ten respondents (39 percent) view working in the defense technology industry as an opportunity to “contribute to the security of Germany and Europe.” Respondents particularly cited “exciting technologies and projects” (29 percent) and “opportunities for international collaboration” (21 percent) as factors that make the industry attractive. This is the result of a representative survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of technology company VINCORION, in which more than 2,000 people were surveyed in April 2025.
“Here at VINCORION, we are seeing this trend reflected quite clearly in our job application numbers, which have doubled since 2023,” explained Kajetan von Mentzingen, CEO of VINCORION. “Last year alone, we were able to expand our workforce to 900 employees – we are growing by almost 100 employees per year. We have already received 2,500 applications in the first quarter of 2025. What is particularly noteworthy is that many applicants are specifically interested in combining high-tech development with a contribution to European security.”
Increased Relevance Since the War in Ukraine
The geopolitical shifts since 2022 have increased awareness of the importance of the defense industry. One in five respondents (21 percent) said that their opinion of the industry has improved since 2022.
This change in sentiment reveals clear differences between age groups and genders – while more than one in four men (28 percent) have developed a more positive attitude toward the defense industry, the same is true for only about one in seven women (15 percent). The improvement is particularly evident among young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 (29 percent) and among people with a higher level of education, such as the Abitur (German university entrance qualification) (26 percent).
“The sector’s relevance has increased, as can be seen in public perception, in the political arena, and also in our growing business,” said von Mentzingen. “VINCORION exceeded the 200 million euro mark in revenue for the first time in 2024 – a significant increase on the previous year’s figure of 163 million euros. We are seeing particularly strong growth in demand for energy-efficient power generators for air defense and components for armored vehicle stabilization. And we develop cutting-edge technologies such as our new rescue hoist for helicopters.”
Clear Mandate for Policymakers
The survey also revealed German citizens’ priorities when it comes to investing in security and defense (respondents were asked to name the three most important investment areas): For 40 percent, investing in equipment and personnel for the Bundeswehr was the top priority. A total of 34 percent said they would invest in civil defense and emergency management, while 29 percent cited European defense collaboration. Overall, 28 percent consider directly strengthening the domestic defense industry as an important priority.
“The results show that people in Germany have recognized the importance of a coordinated European defense strategy – and that is in line with our own corporate strategy,” emphasized von Mentzingen. “VINCORION is already actively involved in European research initiatives such as the NOMAD project, which is funded by the European Defense Fund with 20 million euros and in which we are working on cutting-edge energy storage systems for military bases. In this project, we are contributing our expertise in generators and hybrid power systems and collaborating with partners from nine European countries.”
Challenges Facing the Industry
Many respondents also view the defense industry as “relevant” (30 percent) and “responsible” (22 percent). It is also perceived as “crisis-proof” (20 percent) – which is likely to be an important factor in times of economic uncertainty.
The correlation with interest in politics is noteworthy: the more interested in politics respondents say they are, the higher their assessment of the industry’s relevance. The range extends from 14 percent among people with no interest in politics whatsoever to 41 percent among those who are highly interested in politics.
There are also clear differences when it comes to party preferences: while 38 percent of CDU/CSU and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen voters consider the industry to be “relevant” and as many as 48 percent of FDP voters do so, only 23 percent of AfD voters share this view.
At the same time, the survey revealed room for improvement, with 26 percent of respondents considering the industry to be “slow” and only five percent saying it was “transparent.”
“We have recognized these challenges at VINCORION and have initiated specific measures to counteract them,” noted von Mentzingen. “In order to accelerate our production processes, we are currently transitioning our manufacturing operations in Wedel from a small-scale factory to a more efficient high-volume production facility. This will enable us to better meet the sharp rise in demand, for example for components for the Leopard 2. We have also made progress in terms of transparency. For example, through our commitment to green defense, we are playing a pioneering role in the industry and communicating openly about our sustainability strategy and specific projects such as our power generators, which consume less energy and therefore increase the operational readiness and safety of the armed forces.”
About the Study
The representative survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of VINCORION. The findings of this survey come from online interviews with members of the YouGov panel who agreed to take part beforehand. A total of 2,046 people were interviewed for this survey between April 14 and 16, 2025. The results were broken down by age, gender, and region, and then weighted accordingly. The results are representative of the civilian population in Germany aged 18 and over.
Media Contact:
Florian Hanauer
PR Manager
VINCORION Advanced Systems
Feldstraße 155
22880 Wedel
Tel. 04103 60 – 2250
Mail: florian.hanauer@vincorion.com
About VINCORION
VINCORION is a technology company that specializes in innovative power systems for safety-critical applications, including generators, electric motors, and drives, gensets, power electronics, and hybrid power systems. As a partner to the civil aviation, security and defense, and rail industries, VINCORION develops and manufactures solutions tailored to its customers’ specific requirements on the basis of an in-depth dialog. A high-performance customer support team provides assistance and service to users of the company’s own products and those from third parties throughout the entire product life cycle. With approximately 800 employees at sites in Germany, and the United States, VINCORION generated revenues of approximately 200 million euros in 2024.
For more information, visit our website www.vincorion.com or X and LinkedIn.
« Defense Made in Bavaria »: State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt Reviews Development of Next-Generation Energy Systems for Air Defense, Focusing on Efficiency, Resource Conservation, and Job Creation in Altenstadt.
Technology company Vincorion is expanding its Altenstadt facility. During his facility tour, Tobias Gotthardt, State Secretary at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, was briefed on the development of modern air defense systems and the planned facility expansion.
« Our Altenstadt site has evolved into a center of excellence for mobile power generation, » explained Jürgen Arold, Managing Director and Vice President Engineering. « Here, we manufacture not only subsystems for critical air defense systems such as Patriot and IRIS-T but also develop the next generation of power generating equipment for the German Armed Forces. »
State Secretary Tobias Gotthardt (left) visits VINCORION in Altenstadt, where he is welcomed by Jürgen Arold, Managing Director (right), and Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product Management (center).
Facility Expansion for European Sky Shield
To meet growing demand, Vincorion is planning to construct a new production facility at the Altenstadt site. « We are setting the stage for future growth, » said Arold. Adjacent to the current modern production halls, the company maintains reserve space on the grounds of the former military airfield in Altenstadt, where the new facility will be built.
« We plan to expand revenue at the Altenstadt site alone to 150 million euros in the coming years, » Arold explained – representing a fourfold increase. This growth will create new employment opportunities. Vincorion plans to recruit a significant number of new colleagues over the next few years.
The increasing demand for modern air defense systems, particularly within the framework of the European Sky Shield Initiative, necessitates the expansion of production capabilities. The planned new production facility will meet state-of-the-art standards and is designed for efficient production of complex systems.
Bavarian Mid-Sized Companies Driving Innovation
Vincorion develops power generators in various output classes for the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz. « Our new generation of ‘PGM low emissions’ power generating modules sets new standards in efficiency, operational readiness, and environmental sustainability, » explained Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product Management. « The units comply with strict EU Stage V emission standards during normal operation while being optimized for military deployment under the most demanding conditions. »
State Secretary Gotthardt expressed his approval: « The achievements in Altenstadt demonstrate the tremendous innovation potential of Bavaria’s mid-sized enterprises. Cutting-edge research isn’t limited to large corporations. Our mid-sized companies are known for their innovative strength. As hidden champions, they not only succeed in international markets but also ensure regional value creation. I am pleased that Vincorion has chosen to expand in the Weilheim-Schongau region, creating interesting job opportunities locally. »
Green Defense as Future Technology
Vincorion is committed to « Green Defense, » recognizing that power generators in air defense systems operate 24/7. Modern technology that reduces fuel consumption and emissions benefits both security and resource conservation. State Secretary Gotthardt witnessed this commitment during his tour of the modern production facility in Altenstadt.
The new power generating modules can be operated not only with diesel but also connected to the local power grid or sustainable energy sources. « Our systems are prepared for integration with renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic systems and can be operated in conjunction with battery storage systems, » explained Zeitler. « This not only reduces fuel consumption and emissions but also enhances tactical capabilities in the field. »
Initial test models of the new units have already been delivered, with pre-production models scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025. Series production will require significant expansion of production floor space.
Shaping the Company’s Future Together
Vincorion, with its three locations in Germany – Altenstadt, Wedel near Hamburg, and Essen – is on a growth trajectory: Revenue reached 200 million euros in 2024, with the workforce growing to 900 employees company-wide. The Altenstadt site alone currently employs over 220 skilled workers.
« As the works council, we have the opportunity to collaborate with management in supporting the expansion, making important decisions for the workforce, and thus shaping and securing the company’s future, » says Michele Ciranna, Chairman of the Works Council, the company’s elected employee representatives.
« With our modern energy systems, we are making a significant contribution to the modernization of the German Armed Forces, » emphasized Arold. « The mid-sized business sector demonstrates that defense capabilities and climate protection can go hand in hand. The technology is available, and we are already working on our expansion, capability building, and process optimization – now we need reliable framework conditions for the necessary investments. »
Technical Expertise at Home
« Bavaria and Germany as a whole need a capable and sustainable defense industry, » State Secretary Gotthardt concluded. « Current geopolitical challenges require investments in modern equipment. Companies like Vincorion demonstrate that we have the technological expertise right here at home. »
Media Contact:
Florian Hanauer
PR-Manager
VINCORION Advanced Systems
Feldstraße 155
22880 Wedel
Tel. 04103 60 – 2250
Mail: florian.hanauer@vincorion.com
About VINCORION
VINCORION is a technology company that specializes in innovative power systems for safety-critical applications, including generators, electric motors, and drives, gensets, power electronics, and hybrid power systems. As a partner to the civil aviation, security and defense, and rail industries, VINCORION develops and manufactures solutions tailored to its customers’ specific requirements on the basis of an in-depth dialog. A high-performance customer support team provides assistance and service to users of the company’s own products and those from third parties throughout the entire product life cycle. With approximately 800 employees at sites in Germany, and the United States, VINCORION generated revenues of approximately 200 million euros in 2024.
For more information, visit our website www.vincorion.com or X and LinkedIn.
Technology Company Strengthens its Position in German Defense Capabilities.
Technology company VINCORION has maintained its growth trajectory, reaching a milestone of EUR 200 million in revenue for 2024 – marking a substantial increase from the previous year. This positive development underscores the Wedel-based company’s robust position as a technology provider, with orders spanning from power generation systems for armed forces modernization, including generators for armored vehicles, to civilian aviation technology, such as the development of next-generation electric rescue hoists for helicopters.
« Our performance in 2024 demonstrates that German industry is taking its responsibility for national security seriously and is delivering the necessary capabilities, » says Managing Director Kajetan von Mentzingen. « The successful execution of key projects showcases the innovation potential and competence of Germany’s defense industry. »
Strategic Projects Gain Momentum
Notable achievements during the year included supplying critical components for the Leopard 2 main battle tank, such as observation modules for situational awareness and target acquisition, along with advancing power electronics development for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle. Of particular significance are new orders for the Leopard 2 from European nations.
For these and other tank platforms, VINCORION supplies the innovative GTD chaser modular weapon stabilization system, which the company unveiled at the Eurosatory defense exhibition in Paris in summer 2024. This system is implemented in current and future generations of the Leopard 2, as well as the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer and other vehicles.
The company’s Altenstadt facility in Bavaria focuses on manufacturing power generators for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) and air defense systems for German and allied armed forces. The Essen facility primarily produces generators that deliver significant performance enhancement for the Boxer armored vehicle. VINCORION’s U.S. subsidiary ensures spare parts supply for the Patriot air defense system.
« Recent developments underscore the necessity to steadily advance Bundeswehr modernization, » explains von Mentzingen. « Our objective must be to substantially strengthen Germany’s defense capabilities by 2029. This requires sustained investment in modern equipment and forward-looking technologies. »
Growing Public Support
A recent representative study by the Bundeswehr Center for Military History and Social Sciences reveals a fundamental shift in public perception. « The findings are remarkable, » notes von Mentzingen. « 82 percent of the 2,000 respondents expressed favorable views of the Bundeswehr, indicating increased public recognition of our armed forces’ significance. »
Particularly notable is the marked increase in support for higher defense spending: while only 41 percent favored an increase three years ago, that figure has risen to 58 percent. « This significant uptick confirms a fundamental shift in public awareness, » von Mentzingen emphasizes. « There is growing recognition that security and defense capabilities come at a cost. »
« The broad support for meeting NATO commitments is especially significant, » von Mentzingen adds. « 70 percent of respondents support fulfilling financial commitments – representing a clear mandate for policymakers. » These figures also indicate the public’s realistic understanding of security policy challenges. Additional data is available in the appendix.
Future Investment Requirements
« Sustainable modernization of our armed forces will require additional investment, » von Mentzingen explains. « The previous special fund was an important first step. We now need to consider increasing defense spending to 2.5-3 percent of GDP to achieve our objectives. »
« Our international customers are seeking enhanced support from the German government for procurement of German systems, » the Managing Director reports. « The United States sets an example: their government acts as a partner, provides political backing for business, and establishes clear processes. We need a similar framework in Germany – it builds trust and enhances our attractiveness as a supplier. »
Collaborating with French or Italian industry partners presents challenges for German companies, von Mentzingen continues: « Each country maintains different regulations regarding military equipment supply. This unnecessarily complicates joint projects. We need standardized European regulations – otherwise, German companies risk exclusion from crucial future initiatives. »
Expanding Civilian Market Expertise
Beyond its core defense sector operations, VINCORION continues to strengthen its civilian market position. « Our technological expertise, particularly in power supply and drive technology, has significant civilian applications, » explains von Mentzingen. A current example is the development of next-generation helicopter rescue hoists, combining superior safety standards with cutting-edge technology.
Workforce Growth and Training Excellence
The company’s success is reflected in its expanding workforce, which grew to approximately 900 employees by 2024, with 550 based at the Wedel facility. « This growth underscores our attractiveness as an employer, » says HR Director Nina Römhild. The low turnover rate of less than three percent demonstrates high employee satisfaction.
VINCORION maintains a strong commitment to training: approximately 50 young people are currently enrolled in apprenticeships or dual-study programs. Programs range from electronics technician training for devices and systems to industrial engineering. « Training qualified specialists is central to our future strategy, » Römhild emphasizes.
« We see further growth potential for 2025, » says von Mentzingen. « Our innovative products and dedicated employees position us ideally to support armed forces modernization. We rely on close collaboration with all stakeholders. »
About VINCORION
VINCORION is a technology company headquartered in Wedel near Hamburg, with additional facilities in Germany and the United States. With approximately 900 employees, the company develops and manufactures innovative solutions in power systems, generators, power electronics, and stabilization and lifting systems.
The company brings decades of experience and unique engineering expertise, particularly in electrical power generation, conversion, storage, and management. This expertise serves both the security and defense sector and civil aviation.
Media Contact:
Florian Hanauer
PR-Manager
VINCORION Advanced Systems
Feldstraße 155
22880 Wedel
Tel. 04103 60 – 2250
Mail: florian.hanauer@vincorion.com
About VINCORION
VINCORION is a technology company that specializes in innovative power systems for safety-critical applications, including generators, electric motors, and drives, gensets, power electronics, and hybrid power systems. As a partner to the civil aviation, security and defense, and rail industries, VINCORION develops and manufactures solutions tailored to its customers’ specific requirements on the basis of an in-depth dialog. A high-performance customer support team provides assistance and service to users of the company’s own products and those from third parties throughout the entire product life cycle. With approximately 800 employees at sites in Germany, and the United States, VINCORION generated revenues of approximately 163 million euros in 2023.
For more information, visit our website www.vincorion.com or X and LinkedIn.
The technology company VINCORION, headquartered in Wedel, Germany, is growing rapidly and plans to significantly expand its workforce. Due to numerous new orders, particularly in the defense and civil aviation sectors, the company will significantly expand its production capacities at all three of its locations in Germany.
“The security situation in Europe and around the world has changed,” said Kajetan von Mentzingen, CEO of VINCORION, explaining the current situation. He emphasized that the Zeitenwende (“new era”) in Germany had not only finally been embraced by politicians, but also by society. This is also leading to increased interest in VINCORION’s working environment. “People understand the importance of our country’s defense capabilities,” von Mentzingen added.
The company’s strong performance is reflected in a number of areas. VINCORION recently presented a new generation of weapon stabilizers for battle tanks and armored personnel carriers. In addition, the company recently signed important contracts for the supply of generators for the Boxer armored personnel carrier and for the maintenance of the Patriot air defense system.
“Ukraine has shown that heavy battle tanks remain indispensable in combined arms combat,” said Sascha Brüning, Vice President Business Development & Sales at VINCORION, emphasizing the importance of these developments. He explained that VINCORION had been awarded key contracts in the wake of recent orders for battle tanks, including the equipment for 54 Leopard 2 A8 tanks for Norway. “Further deliveries for Germany and partner countries are already on the books, amounting to a total of more than 500 system deliveries in the coming years,” added Brüning.
Plans to hire 80 new employees
To manage this growth, VINCORION plans to hire around 80 new employees by the end of the year. The company is particularly looking for specialists in the fields of engineering, technology, and business, as well as in the commercial and technical sectors.
“The defense industry requires highly qualified employees,” said Nina Römhild, VINCORION’s head of HR, explaining the challenges and opportunities of recruiting. At the same time, however, she emphasized that the company was successful in attracting new specialists. “Our attractive working conditions, competitive salaries, and extensive training opportunities win over many candidates,” Römhild explained. She pointed to the high recommendation rate and the company’s above-average rating on Kununu as proof of employee satisfaction.
VINCORION, with approximately 800 employees in Germany, including roughly 30 vocational trainees, sees itself well equipped to meet the challenges of growth and to further expand its contribution to Europe’s security. Interested applicants can find more information about vacancies on the VINCORION website at www.vincorion.com/career.
Media Contact:
Florian Hanauer
PR-Manager
VINCORION Advanced Systems
Feldstraße 155
22880 Wedel
Tel. 04103 60 – 2250
Mail: florian.hanauer@vincorion.com
About VINCORION
VINCORION is a technology company that specializes in innovative power systems for safety-critical applications, including generators, electric motors, and drives, gensets, power electronics, and hybrid power systems. As a partner to the civil aviation, security and defense, and rail industries, VINCORION develops and manufactures solutions tailored to its customers’ specific requirements on the basis of an in-depth dialog. A high-performance customer support team provides assistance and service to users of the company’s own products and those from third parties throughout the entire product life cycle. With approximately 800 employees at sites in Germany, and the United States, VINCORION generated revenues of approximately 163 million euros in 2023.
For more information, visit our website www.vincorion.com or X and LinkedIn.