Next-generation energy systems make NATO air defense more resilient
Longer operating times with stable and reliable genset operation offer a distinct advantage: fewer refueling trips and therefore fewer targets for attack. The technology company VINCORION is now introducing the next generation of power supply systems for air defense systems used worldwide, such as PATRIOT. These next-gen systems significantly reduce logistical dependencies, thereby increasing armed forces’ operational superiority. At the project kick-off conference in Altenstadt, the company presented its innovative solution for sustainable defense together with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).
Tactical Advantages Through Energy Self-Sufficiency
“To us, next-gen means systems that can run for longer and require less vulnerable logistics chains,” emphasized Kajetan von Mentzingen, CEO of VINCORION. “These systems enable armed forces to dramatically increase their operational readiness. And that is precisely our goal here at VINCORION – because everyone deserves to be safe.”
The figures speak for themselves: the adapted hybrid power supply reduces the number of required refueling operations by two-thirds – from 72 to just 24 times per day per battalion. “Our system can eliminate over a third of the extremely high-risk fuel transport trips,” explained Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product Management at VINCORION. “The less you rely on an external supply of energy, the longer you maintain operational freedom in the field.”
The technical improvements to the system significantly increase combat effectiveness – maintenance intervals are up to four times longer thanks to an optimized hybrid architecture, while downtime for maintenance itself has also been reduced by more than 80%. “This means that PATRIOT systems remain operational for longer periods without interruption and require significantly fewer service personnel,” noted Alexander Ackerman, Program Manager for Ground Based Air Defense. “This significantly increases the resilience of our system.”
Entire Power Supply Developed in Germany
VINCORION supplies the entire power supply for the PATRIOT system’s main components: The Electric Power Plant (EPP) supplies power to the radar and Engagement Control Station (ECS) via two 150-kilowatt gensets. The Electric Power Unit (EPU) supplies power to the Information Coordination Central (ICC) via two 30-kilowatt units. And the Launching Station (LS) receives 15 kW from a genset in the smallest power class.
“This technology, which is manufactured here in Bavaria, shows how innovative power systems increase the operational capabilities of our armed forces,” said Tobias Gotthardt, Bavarian State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy. “VINCORION develops key technologies here that enable European defense forces to achieve operational superiority.”
Agreed on close cooperation in Altenstadt (from left): Norbert Lederle, Christopher Tschischka, Alexander Ackerman (all VINCORION) with Kristin Doolittle, Siegfried Schneider, and Clayton Corley (all NSPA) and Martin Eisenschmid (VINCORION)
NATO-Wide Procurement Strengthens European Security Architecture
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has signed a framework agreement with VINCORION to modernize PATRIOT power supply systems to state-of-the-art standards through obsolescence mitigation. The order is initially valued at 60 million euros. The NATO countries investing in the project are Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Romania, and Poland, and it is scheduled to be implemented from 2025 to 2030.
“This partnership is enhancing interoperability and standardization within NATO,” explained von Mentzingen. “If all PATRIOT user states operate with the same highly efficient power technology, it will significantly increase joint operational capability.”
“This framework contract reflects NSPA’s commitment to building long-term partnerships with the industry in support of NATO’s operational readiness. By delivering these innovative power solutions, we will contribute to operational capability and sustainability, while supporting the defence industry in Europe,” said Stacy Cummings, NSPA General Manager.
New Hybrid Technology Offers Performance and Sustainability Benefits
VINCORION engineers are highly familiar with air defense technology. The company already manufactures components for two of the three main systems that form the European Sky Shield, namely PATRIOT and IRIS-T. “We develop the technology that enables these systems to operate completely independently of public infrastructure,” explained Zeitler.
The next-gen system’s increased efficiency brings further advantages in addition to tactical ones, such as cutting fuel consumption by 48% and thereby reducing carbon emissions accordingly. “When you consider that air defense systems have to be up and running 24 hours a day, this is a factor that shouldn’t be underestimated,” noted Zeitler. “This proves that operational excellence and environmental protection can go hand in hand.” The systems can also be connected to renewable energy sources such as solar panels and feature integrated battery storage for peak loads. However, thanks to a significant degree of automation, considerably fewer personnel are required for setup, operation, and maintenance.
Center of Excellence for Military Power Supply
For Daniel Zeitler, one thing is certain: “Our Altenstadt site is developing into a European center of excellence for military power supply.” This is because in addition to the next-gen systems for NATO, the new power generators for the Bundeswehr, which were ordered by Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), are also being developed here.
VINCORION currently has approximately 900 employees at locations in Germany and the United States and generated over 200 million euros in revenue in 2024. VINCORION is a technology company that specializes in innovative power systems for safety-critical applications. As a partner to the aviation, security, and defense industries, VINCORION develops and manufactures solutions tailored to its customers’ specific requirements.
Media contact:
VINCORION:
Florian Hanauer, PR-Manager
VINCORION Advanced Systems
Tel: +49 4103 60-2250
E-Mail: florian.hanauer@vincorion.com
NSPA:
Francesca De Florio, Chief Communications Officer,
NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA)
E-Mail: francesca.deflorio@nspa.nato.int
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.
