Agency leader advocates for industrial work in the weaponry sector - Agency leader urged to collaborate with the defense equipment sector
In the heart of Germany, the region of Thuringia is grappling with the impact of the shifting automotive industry, particularly the transition towards electric vehicles. This transformation has left many automotive suppliers in a precarious position, resulting in job losses and economic hardship [1]. However, Markus Behrens, the head of the regional employment agency, sees a potential ray of hope in an unexpected sector: the defense industry [2].
Behrens believes that the defense industry, specifically the Bundeswehr and its logistics command, could serve as an anchor to help Thuringia's labor market start to recover from 2026 onwards [3]. The Bundeswehr's annual training of around 15,000 truck drivers is a significant contributor to this potential. Many of these drivers enter the civilian transport sector upon completing their military service, providing a steady stream of skilled personnel to the region's logistics and transport industry [1].
The abolition of military service obligations has led to a shortage of drivers in Thuringia's logistics and transport sector, as fewer conscripts with driving licenses are entering the civilian workforce [1]. This shortage is particularly critical given Thuringia's growing importance as a logistics hub, hosting major companies such as Zalando and KNV [1].
The defense industry's historical contribution to preparing skilled workers for logistics has had a strong indirect effect on the regional labor market, providing qualified personnel who would transition to civilian jobs in transport and logistics [1]. Moreover, the Bundeswehr's recent initiatives, such as the “Future Orientation Cooperation in Logistics” project, aim to modernize and enhance military logistics capacities, which has broader economic and labor market implications [4]. Strengthening military logistics skills potentially supports local employment by fostering skilled jobs related to logistics and defense sectors in Thuringia [4].
However, the road to recovery is not without challenges. High energy prices could hinder a swift recovery of the labor market in Thuringia, according to Behrens [5]. Energy costs are crucial for the energy-intensive glass industry in southern Thuringia, as well as for all other companies that process metal using electricity or gas [6]. Behrens emphasises the significance of electricity and gas prices in determining the speed of the Thuringian labor market recovery [6].
Another potential anchor for the labor market recovery from 2026 onwards could be the construction industry, if the federal government spends the promised billions for modernizing Germany's infrastructure [3]. Many companies that previously supplied automotive manufacturers have the necessary knowledge to work as suppliers for the defense industry, making it a viable alternative for those struggling in the automotive sector [7]. The federal government plans to invest billions in the defense industry in the coming years, which could provide a stable order situation [7].
In conclusion, while the transition towards electric vehicles has brought hardship to Thuringia's automotive suppliers, the defense industry, particularly through the Bundeswehr, offers a promising avenue for trained logistics personnel and potential economic recovery [1][4]. The construction industry, if the federal government invests in infrastructure modernisation, could also support the labor market recovery. However, challenges such as high energy prices and the slow pace of recovery remain obstacles on the path to a fully recovered labor market [5][6].
Community policy should be revised to prioritize vocational training programs in the logistics sector, considering the potential economic recovery from 2026 onwards, driven by the demand for skilled personnel from the defense industry and the anticipated investment in the construction industry. Technology, such as that being developed through the Bundeswehr's "Future Orientation Cooperation in Logistics" project, plays a crucial role in modernizing military logistics capacities and creating job opportunities in Thuringia related to logistics and defense sectors.
