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Bundeswehr Opens Innovation Center at Erding to Speed AI and Drone Capabilities

The site targets faster fielding by partnering with start-ups outside traditional procurement.

Overview

  • Defense Minister Boris Pistorius inaugurated the Innovationszentrum Bundeswehr at Fliegerhorst Erding on February 2.
  • The hub prioritizes AI-controlled drones, autonomous logistics and resilient communications to compress development cycles.
  • Flottillenadmiral Christian Bock was appointed to lead the center, which is planned to scale to roughly 250–350 posts.
  • Leaders say the center will use existing air base buildings to begin work quickly rather than wait for new construction.
  • Start-ups showcased drone and autonomy systems, with some already used in Ukraine, as Bavaria plans a police drone and counter-drone center in close cooperation with the Bundeswehr.