The Taurus manufacturer MBDA is calling for faster decisions from the German government on awarding contracts to the defense industry. The CEO of the German subsidiary of the conglomerate stated that Germany can improve its speed in acquiring military goods. MBDA, a joint venture of Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, produces Taurus cruise missiles and Patriot anti-aircraft missiles. The production of Taurus missiles has been halted due to lack of orders, causing disruptions in the supply chain and affecting small and medium-sized suppliers. The company is urging the government to support the industry to maintain a steady production flow, citing the importance of maintaining expertise and keeping up with technological advancements in the defense sector.
MBDA emphasizes the urgent need for more defense weapons in Ukraine to counter Russian attacks. While the country is currently managing with other weapons, the Taurus missile, with a range of over 500 kilometers, could be a crucial addition for targeting logistics chains and strategic locations. Although the decision to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine is political, the manufacturer sees it as a vital step in supporting the country’s defense capabilities. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has opposed delivering Taurus missiles to Ukraine, but MBDA remains hopeful for future developments. The company has a significant order for Patriot missiles, showing the importance of maintaining production capacity for defense products and ensuring the readiness of the workforce.
The CEO of the German branch of MBDA highlights the challenges faced by the defense industry in halting production of Taurus missiles. The disruption affects not only the company itself but also its suppliers, many of which are smaller businesses. The lack of orders hampers their production and financial stability, making it essential for the government to speed up decision-making processes and support the industry’s continuity. MBDA is working on expanding its workforce to meet growing demands, with a significant influx of job applications in the past year. The company is confident in its ability to attract skilled workers and is planning to increase its staff numbers in the coming years.
The importance of maintaining a steady production flow in the defense industry is crucial for national security and supporting allies facing threats. MBDA stresses the need for the German government to make faster decisions on defense contracts to ensure the continuity of production and supply chains. With ongoing conflicts and rising global demand for defense products, it is essential for the industry to remain agile and responsive to changing security challenges. The example of the order for Patriot missiles demonstrates the positive impact of consistent orders on production capacity and readiness in the defense sector.
The issue of slow decision-making processes in awarding defense contracts is not unique to Germany, as other countries also face similar challenges. The call for faster government action in supporting the defense industry is a common refrain among manufacturers, highlighting the need for proactive measures to address supply chain disruptions and support the stability of the sector. With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine underscoring the importance of timely and efficient procurement of defense weapons, the pressure is on governments to prioritize national security and be responsive to the needs of their defense industries. The role of defense contractors like MBDA in advocating for faster decision-making processes and highlighting the impact of delays on production and supply chains is crucial in promoting a more robust and resilient defense sector.
In conclusion, the plea from MBDA for faster decision-making on defense contracts in Germany reflects broader concerns within the industry about the need for timely procurement of military goods. The company’s call for government support in maintaining a steady production flow and ensuring the readiness of the defense sector highlights the importance of national security and the need to respond to evolving security challenges. As conflicts continue to pose threats to countries like Ukraine, the role of defense manufacturers in advocating for faster government action and emphasizing the impact of delays on production and supply chains is crucial. By addressing these challenges and supporting the defense industry, governments can enhance their security capabilities and better support allies in times of need.
