// DEFENSE-Netzwerk Thüringen e.V. i. G.
The bridge connecting Thuringia’s SME sector to the European security and defence market.
Industry · Technology · Resilience · Growth
// Market opportunity
ReArm Europe · by 2030
800bn €
is being mobilised by the “ReArm Europe / Readiness 2030” programme for the defence of Europe.
Defence budget 2026
108bn €
German defence budget – rising to around €152 bn by 2029. A substantial share flows into procurement and industry.
Potential in Thuringia
250+
companies in the region with relevant capabilities – from optics and sensors to software and AI.
// Starting point
Why now?
Europe is experiencing its biggest shift in industrial policy in decades. Investment in security and defence will shape the next ten to twenty years – in procurement, in supply chains, in industry.
Security is far more than armament: dual-use technologies, the protection of critical infrastructure and civil protection require exactly the capabilities that Thuringia’s SMEs have built up over decades.
Our conviction
Thuringia’s SMEs must not be mere spectators.
Our goal: Thuringian companies should share in this investment – not only the large prime contractors.
// The network
Not an association. A network of entrepreneurs.
DefNet Thüringen makes Thuringia’s industrial expertise visible and ready to connect.
We connect SMEs, prime contractors, second- and third-tier suppliers, critical infrastructure and civil protection – wherever security, defence, dual-use goods and robust supply chains are needed for Germany and Europe.
This is how concrete projects, new contracts and value creation in Thuringia emerge.
We connect
- SMEs
- Industry
- Research
- Politics
- Armed forces
- Prime contractors
- Investors
Enable & open up markets
We pave the way for Thuringian companies into public procurement and get them ready for tenders.
Integrate into supply chains
We position member companies as qualified suppliers (tier 1–3) of the security and defence industry. Dual-use makes many of them ready to connect immediately.
Think security holistically
From national and alliance defence through critical infrastructure to civil and disaster protection.
// Services
What we deliver for our members
Market access
- Access to prime contractors
- Access to procurement organisations
- Business development
Connections
- CEO workshops
- Plant visits
- Matchmaking
- Working groups
Project development
- Form consortia
- Pool capabilities
- Joint market presence
Visibility
- Politics
- Armed forces & industry
- International partners
// Vision
Our vision for Thuringia
Thuringia should become one of Germany’s leading defence and dual-use locations. Not because we want to become a centre of armament – but because we want to remain a centre of innovation.
We build on existing strengths
- Optics
- Sensors
- Semiconductors
- Mechanical engineering
- Automotive
- Software
- AI
- Electronics
We create
- New markets
- New contracts
- New, qualified jobs
- Technological sovereignty “made in Thuringia”
// Organisation
Board
The DEFENSE-Netzwerk Thüringen is led by experienced entrepreneurs and executives.
Thomas Rücker
Chairman
Thomas Fischer
Deputy Chairman
Ronny Simroth
Deputy Chairman
Stefan Wirtheim
Deputy Chairman
// Steering committee
Steering committee
The network’s work is supported by a steering committee that brings together state institutions and Thuringian industry representatives – as a link between business, the state and institutions.
State institution
LEG Thüringen
Thuringia state development corporation (LEG mbH)
State institution
Thüringer Aufbaubank
Development bank of the Free State of Thuringia
State institution
Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs
Industry
Thuringian industry representatives
Experienced entrepreneurs from Thuringian industry.
// Insights
The network live
Impressions from the network’s events. Where event photos are taken, we point this out at registration.
// Events
Upcoming events
// FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the DEFENSE-Netzwerk Thüringen?
A network of entrepreneurs based in Erfurt – deliberately not a classic association. We bring together Thuringia’s SMEs, industry, research, politics, the armed forces, prime contractors and investors so that contacts turn into concrete projects, contracts and value creation in Thuringia.
Does my company have to be a defence manufacturer?
No. Security is far more than armament: dual-use technologies, the protection of critical infrastructure and civil protection make many Thuringian companies ready to connect immediately – from optics and sensors to software and mechanical engineering.
What exactly does the network offer?
Four pillars: market access to prime contractors and procurement organisations; connections through CEO workshops, plant visits and matchmaking; project development through consortia and pooled capabilities; and visibility with politics, the armed forces and international partners.
How does my company become a member?
Via a request through the form or by email to kontakt@defnet-th.de. Admission is granted on written application by resolution of the board. There is full membership with voting rights and supporting membership.
// Become a member
Become part of the network
Contribute your capabilities and help shape the future of this market. Together we ensure that the largest possible share of this historic investment reaches Thuringia’s SMEs.
Full membership
For companies and entrepreneurs who actively shape the network – with voting and election rights.
Supporting membership
For partners who support the association’s purpose in spirit or materially and wish to take part in its activities.
Interested in membership?
Write to us – we will get back to you promptly with all the details on admission and fees.
Admission is granted on written application by resolution of the board (§ 3 of the statutes). Alternatively, you can reach us at kontakt@defnet-th.de.