AFCEA trade exhibition, often referred to as the “Green CeBIT”, began today at the World Congress Center in Bonn. Most of the participants agreed on one point: more needs to be done in the digitalisation of Bundeswehr. While the so called White IT is at a good level thanks to the BWI, the Green IT still lacks even most rudimentary systems. Solutions exist, some of them have already been implemented in other nations or are in the process of being procured. Not only German industry is ready to deliver. But the hesitation must finally be abandoned, contracts must be signed and concerns must be reduced to a level that enables the introduction of digital solutions.
But at AFCEA there was also a breeze of hope, a wind of awakening through the halls. The Secretary of State Decree, which with a stroke of the pen subordinated all existing regulations and procedural rules to the acceleration of military procurement, is supposed to do the trick. But already many parties are coming forward to say that their restrictions, conditions and specifications would be essential in order to equip the Bundeswehr in a safe and interoperable manner. At the same time, many are asking whether the new mistake culture called for by the German Defence Minister, in which mistakes are to be made possible without consequences on the career, will actually come to life. Since Bundeswehr’s equipment crisis could only be solved by the courage to make decisions.
AFCEA continues tomorrow. Behoerden Spiegel also has a booth where visitors will get information about the latest developments in defence technology (and the civil service). In addition, as every year Behoerden Spiegel published the accompanying congress magazine, which is also available at the booth. We look forward to your visit!
Dorothee Frank, Head of editorial team
