“We cannot choose between either green or strong armed forces, we need strong and green at the same time”, said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg during a speech in 2021. The second part of our whitepaper entitled “What You Need to Know about Green Defense” sheds light on the role climate change plays in Europe’s defense policy and which green defense technologies our armed forces are already relying on. An exclusive excerpt is available here:

The Green Transformation of the German Armed Forces

To achieve a climate-neutral government by 2030 and a climate-neutral German Armed Forces by 2045, Germany has launched a series of climate action initiatives. Despite relatively low carbon emissions per capita within the German Armed Forces compared to other countries, the need for a sustainable transformation is obvious, especially in light of the geopolitical tensions caused by the Ukraine conflict.

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Defense has made sustainability an integral part of its operational and structural planning. This is reflected in the German Armed Forces’ fifth sustainability report. A central aspect of the transformation is the integration of environmental protection measures in all areas and the inclusion of climate issues in security policy considerations.

As part of the “Green Barracks” project, the German Armed Forces are experimenting with renewable energies and alternative heating systems such as heat pumps and district heating in order to reduce their carbon footprint. The “Infrastructure” expert group is supporting these efforts by focusing on improving energy efficiency and selfsufficiency, including the electrical operation of military properties.

The German Armed Forces are also striving to replace fossil fuels with renewable alternatives in the area of mobility, both for use at home and on foreign missions. A “Mobility” expert group set up by the ministry identified areas of action back in 2019, including the development of an integral system architecture and research into synthetic fuels.

One aim is to increasingly supplement the energy supply of the deployment infrastructure, which to date has mainly been provided by fuel-powered generators, with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. Changes in user behavior and technological innovations are also part of the strategy to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. These efforts serve both to mitigate climate change and to ensure operational sustainability, whereby the mission requirements of the German Armed Forces are to take priority.

Total Emissions by Sector 

In addition to the German Armed Forces’ properties at home and abroad, military mobility is a significant factor in overall emissions. The German Armed Forces’ sustainability report describes the operational profile as being characterized by energy-dense fuels, whereby the potential use of alternative drive systems under current military requirements remains limited. Direct electrification and gaseous energy sources such as hydrogen have been ruled out due to the high energy density required by the military. E-fuels – liquid, synthetic fuels from sustainable sources – are being considered as a potential alternative to fossil fuels. The production of e-fuels is still in its infancy, however, and requires significant investment and consumes a great deal of electrical energy. Furthermore, it is already foreseeable today that civil aviation, in particular, will be directly competing for every liter of production capacity for green e-fuels in the short term.

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German Armed Forces’ Projects

• Use of renewable energy: The German Armed Forces operate several solar energy projects, such as the solar array on the grounds of the University of the German Armed Forces in Munich, which is one of the largest photovoltaic installations in Bavaria.
• Hybrid and electric vehicles in logistics: The German Armed Forces are increasingly integrating electric and hybrid vehicles into their non-tactical fleets in order to reduce carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency.
• Use of microgrid technologies: As part of the Smart Energy Networks initiative, which is part of the German Armed Forces’ armaments innovation program, research is being conducted into the use of microgrids to optimize the self-sufficient and efficient supply of energy during foreign missions.
• Energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure: The German Armed Forces are aiming to reduce their buildings’ energy requirements through energyefficient modernization measures such as improved insulation, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and lighting.
• Improved waste management and recycling: The German Armed Forces are implementing concepts to optimize waste separation and recycling, such as the waste separation system at the Baumholder military training area, as part of their environmental management activities.
• Development of biofuels and alternative fuels: In order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions, the German Armed Forces are funding research projects into the use of alternative fuels, including biofuels.
• Modern gensets: Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) engaged VINCORION to develop and produce advanced power generators and corresponding battery storage modules. These are due to be delivered in the 200 and 50 kilowatt power classes starting in 2026, following successful troop testing and pilot production.

You can download the full white paper here.

It’s cold in the arena, of course. We’re standing together, putting on gloves and bobble hats in preparation for the next hour, our breath visible in little clouds as we speak. Michael Wandschura, however, doesn’t seem to notice the cold at all. He shows us around the rink, the home of his ice hockey club, the EA Schongau Mammuts.

Wandschura is a systems engineer at VINCORION, where he is currently working on a new generation of hybrid gensets. What many people don’t know is that in the winter season, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, he swaps his office outfit for the number 13 jersey after work. Then it’s off to train with his ice hockey team to prepare for their next home or away game on the weekend.

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“Without ice hockey, winter can be pretty long and lonely”

When he talks about his sport, his club, and his teammates from the EA Schongau Mammuts, Wandschura’s enthusiasm is infectious. “It was only during the coronavirus pandemic that I realized how long and lonely a winter without ice hockey can be,” he says with a laugh, “and when I was finally allowed back on the ice with my team, it was truly an amazing moment.”

Wandschura, who everyone here simply calls the Wizard, shows us the rink with the VINCORION logo under the ice, the stands, and the players’ bench. In the changing room, the black and white jerseys hang on a pole under the ceiling, and the ice hockey sticks lean casually against the wall next to the wooden benches. This is a behind-the-scenes view that visitors to the ice rink don’t usually get to see. Just like Wandschura’s training preparations, who has now started to sharpen his skates.Just like how Wandschura, who has now started to sharpen his skates, prepares for training. Just like how Wandschura, who has now started to sharpen his skates, prepares for training.

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“There was never anything else”

When asked how he got into ice hockey, Wandschura replies: “Back then, everyone played ice hockey. There was never anything else.” After stints with ESV Kaufbeuren, EC Peiting, and ERC Sonthofen, the defenseman has now remained loyal to the EA Schongau Mammuts since 2007. He initially played for the first team, which successfully plays in the Bayernliga, the highest amateur hockey league in the German state of Bavaria. He has been a member of the 1B team since 2012, which allows him to take things a little easier when it comes to the sport.

A short time later on the ice, however, the team proves that playing at this level is anything but a walk in the park. The players pass the puck around precisely according to the coach’s instructions. Their movements on the ice are fast and coordinated. Skating at such a fast pace, we have difficulty documenting the action on camera.

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“Above all else, ice hockey should be fun”

Unlike the players, who have really exerted themselves during training, we are now pretty much frozen through and through. Nevertheless, we want to find out more details from Wandschura – after two championships won, 608 games played to date, countless emotional, nerve-wracking, and decisive team moments: What can you learn from the sport of ice hockey that you can apply in the rest of your life? “Responsibility for your own role within a team, perseverance, and determination. These are things I can also apply to my work as an engineer. When we work on new projects as a development team, such as the hybrid gensets, it is precisely these values that are needed,” answers Wandschura, adding, “but above all, ice hockey should be fun.” This is also something he is trying to pass on to his children, who now play ice hockey just like him.

Did you know… that VINCORION has been sponsoring the EA Schongau ice hockey club since 2021? Fans can continue to experience the Mammut’s first team on the ice until March 30, 2024, when the summer break begins. The latest information, match dates, and live broadcasts are available here.

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The reportage team (from left): Michael «Wizard» Wandschura (VINCORION), Philipp Muuß (filmer and video strategist philm), Sarah Dorsch and Julia (VINCORION)

What awaits the defense industry in 2024 and beyond? Which technological trends and developments should you keep a close eye on? We asked our experts at VINCORION.

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Henning Radtke, Head of Governmental Affairs at VINCORION:

“The interoperability of systems and platforms for military operations is of essential importance and, in my view, will be a hot topic in the coming years. We are observing a rapidly progressing consolidation and harmonization across NATO’s armed forces. This has several advantages: armed forces from different countries are familiar with their partners’ systems and can use them and, if necessary, share maintenance and repair capacities. This creates economies of scale in joint procurement and deployment as well as greater and more reliable capacity utilization in the industry.”

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Daniel Zeitler, Head of Product Management at VINCORION:

“NATO plans to be climate neutral by 2050 and the EU and national armies also have clearly defined net-zero carbon emissions targets for the next 20 years. But we know, that military systems have life cycles of more than 20 years, so armed forces need a future-proof energysupply already today. To achieve this, we must exploit all the technological possibilities offered by hybridization and electrification and, in addition to reducing emissions, integrate the resulting tactical, user-friendliness, and cost-efficiency benefits.

Our PGM low emissions^V gensets are a perfect example of this – thanks to their hybrid technology, fewer refueling operations are required, for example, which has direct tactical advantages in terms of personnel requirements, logistics, and costs. More climate-friendly, tactically superior, and more economical – in my view, green defense is a groundbreaking trend.”

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Patrick Möser, Product Manager Digital & Service at VINCORION:

“Since 2022, we have seen a strong increase in demand for an effective spare parts supply and more efficient MRO processes in the military sector. In order to meet these needs, we are focusing on creating new, innovative services. Thereby we are using the power of digitalization for upcoming challenges, to already virtually model and evaluate the usage of complex weapons systems at an early stage. With this, we support our customers in closing capability gaps and opening up new potential. Market-driven availability, operational readiness, and lean life-cycle costs are at the heart of this approach. Our end customers, e.g., for our new hybrid gensets, value this approach.”

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Rolf Kummer, Director Strategic Projects at VINCORION:

“With military operations becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, modularity in military vehicles is becoming more and more relevant, which is why I believe it will be a key trend in the coming years. A modular design increases the operational readiness of land systems by ensuring that individual modules are always available for replacement, e.g. through spares pooling, thereby significantly reducing delivery times. This not only decreases the downtime of weapon systems, but also saves costs. This is why the aerospace industry has successfully been using modular design and logistics concepts such as these for some time.”

“A jointly developed air defense system (…) would also be a security gain for Europe as a whole, and an outstanding example of what we mean when we talk about strengthening the European pillar within NATO,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during a speech at Charles University in Prague in the summer of 2022. With these words, he paved the way for the European Sky Shield Initiative. In this article, we explain what’s behind it exactly:

What’s planned?

The European Sky Shield Initiative, or ESSI, aims to strengthen European air defense. This is because many European states have identified capability gaps in protecting against air attacks and lack sufficient technical equipment. The war of aggression in Ukraine changed the perception of the threat, with the result being that there is now an increased focus on the expansion of integrated air and missile defense, for example against enemy drones, missiles, and aircraft.

How did it come to this?

On October 13, 2022, 15 European nations signed the agreement on the European Sky Shield Initiative at NATO headquarters in Brussels. This also included Germany. In the meantime, a total of 19 countries have joined the initiative. The air defense systems will be acquired, operated, and maintained jointly in order to create synergies and reduce procurement costs through higher unit numbers.

How does a protective shield work?

An effective protective shield consists of several systems with different ranges that build on each other, are interconnected, and span across the protected area like a dome. One system has several components; in the case of Patriot, for example, this means a multi-radar unit that detects objects in the airspace, a fire control station and launcher for firing guided missiles, and a power generation unit and radio relay troops. Notable in this context is that VINCORION has been reliably supplying the power unit for Patriot’s radar system and launcher for decades.

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Which systems does Germany plan to procure?

The German government has particularly identified capability gaps in short to medium-range and long-range ballistic missile defense. It intends to quickly remedy this situation with systems that are already available on the market and have been thoroughly tested in the field:

Iris-T SLM for medium ranges: The system from German manufacturer Diehl Defence is currently demonstrating its capabilities under real combat conditions in Ukraine. With a range of up to 40 kilometers, it defends against drones, helicopters, aircraft, and cruise missiles. The energy supply plays a crucial role in ensuring that the systems function reliably. VINCORION supplies the power supply unit for IRIS-T’s rocket launcher.

Patriot for long ranges: The German armed forces are already using the US Patriot system. The manufacturer intends to maintain its capabilities through 2048 and beyond and plans to modernize the system as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative. Equipped with a variety of guided missiles, Patriot can hold its own against large unmanned systems, cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles with a range of up to 68 kilometers. As a long-standing partner of manufacturer RTX (Raytheon), VINCORION supplies power units for Patriot radars and launchers worldwide.

Arrow-3 for extremely long ranges: To date, there is also a gap in the defense against long and medium-range missiles that fly at high altitudes. To this end, Germany plans to procure the Arrow-3 system, which was jointly developed by Israel and the United States. It can intercept enemy missiles even outside the atmosphere at a distance of up to 2,400 kilometers. The German government signed a letter of intent to purchase it at the end of September 2023, and it is expected to be operational by 2025.

DDW Die Deutsche Wirtschaft has awarded us the seal “Excellence Business of the German Mittelstand.”  The business network came to this conclusion by analyzing a total of 26 corporate governance factors in the categories of innovation; certifications; employer performance; commitment to employees, the environment, and society; and key business indicators – with VINCORION achieving excellent results in each of these categories.

“We’re delighted to have received this award. We systematically strive to achieve business success, and this seal is an additional confirmation of our efforts,” explains Managing Director Dr. Stefan Stenzel. The “Excellence Business of the German Mittelstand” award recognizes the achievements of an organization as well as its culture.

Our Achievements: Tailor-Made Technologies in Sync with the Zeitgeist

As a long-standing partner to the civil aviation, rail, security, and defense industries, meeting specific customer requirements is part of our daily business. This requires innovative solutions that will function for several decades, even under extreme conditions, and reliably withstand all kinds of wear and tear. As these are highly regulated areas of application, there are a multitude of certifications, guidelines, and standards of quality that must be met.

Close collaboration with our customers, usually in the context of long-term partnerships, is crucial in order to meet these high, sometimes extremely specific requirements. In addition, our product development and optimization activities follow defined megatrends. In particular, sustainable and climate-friendly technologies are playing an increasingly important role at VINCORION. We can ideally apply our expertise in the field of green defense, as energy efficiency has always played a central role in our gensets.

Our Culture: The Value of Employees

In this context, our success is largely driven by our employees, who each make an individual contribution to the security of our society through their work for the civil aviation, rail, and defense industries. We define the way we want to work together and the values that form the foundation for this in our “Guiding Principles for Our Collaboration” and “Leadership Compass” for managers. After all, long-term business success can only be achieved in an environment in which employees feel comfortable. We believe this also includes a healthy work-life balance through concepts such as flexible work schedules, daily working hours that employees can largely set themselves, and the ability to work remotely. We support the development of expertise and stimulate innovation processes through personalized advanced training programs. Our employees also enjoy other perks such as pension benefits, health management, and additional incentives.

The same is true in the defense industry as in all other industries: in order to develop suitable solutions and products, we need to precisely understand our customers’ requirements. In our case, this includes intensively studying the German Armed Forces’ procedures and deployment scenarios. The “Dienstliche Veranstaltung zur Information im Heer” (Official Army Informational Event, abbreviated InfoDVag H in German) offers the opportunity to gain real-world insights into the day-to-day operations of the German Armed Forces. Our colleague Bjane Jacobsen, Business Process Analyst at VINCORION, completed this one-week course. In the following blog article, he reports on his experiences with the German Armed Forces in Munster:

June 26, 2023 – “People from All Walks of Life”

The group participating in the course consists of a mix of people from all walks of life and regions of Germany, from 24 to 64 years old, male as well as female. It includes library directors, social workers, IT specialists, judges, government officials, mayors, pastors, and members of the German parliament. Upon putting on our uniforms, we set aside our everyday lives for a week. One of the toughest parts is not being reachable by phone for seven whole days.

After a brief introduction to formal duties – marching, saluting, mustering – we’re temporarily appointed first lieutenants of the reserve via a tap on the shoulder. A special highlight on the first day is our ceremonial pledge in the presence of our brigadier general, accompanied by the naval music corps from Wilhelmshaven, which came especially for the occasion, as well as an honor guard.

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June 27, 2023 – ”The Only Constant Is That the Situation Is Always Changing”

5:30 a.m. – “InfoDVag, TIME TO GET UP!“ echoes through the corridors outside our rooms. Some of the group had wisely set their alarm clocks for a few minutes earlier, while others are now struggling to get out of bed. After eating breakfast together, the press review is conducted by the press officer of the Tank Force School. Our brigade general introduces us to basic training in the German Army. His presentation is followed by a lively discussion.

After that, we head out to the parade ground. As we get off the buses, two NH90 helicopters from the German Air Force thunder overhead. Fortunately, everyone has their safety goggles on, so the swirling branches and dust aren’t a problem.

Detailed safety briefings by the crews prepare us for the flight. Groups 1 and 2 can fly to the training area as scheduled. When it comes to the rest of the groups, the weather has other plans. Due to an approaching thunderstorm, groups 5 and 6 are forced to wait in the rain for the “air-to-bus replacement service,” while groups 3 and 4 enjoy their lunch at the Faßberg air base. As we come to find out, the only constant is that the situation is always changing.

Next, a Fuchs armored transport vehicle and ATF Dingo infantry mobility vehicle take us on a fast-paced, cross-country journey to the orientation march. Solving the tasks together builds camaraderie among the group as we move from activity to activity. One particular highlight is the task of overcoming obstacles as a group – like the “spider web minefield” and the ride in an inflatable boat.

June 28, 2023 – “A Day Dedicated to Heavy Vehicles“

This day is all about “heavy metal” – in other words, completely dedicated to the German Army’s large, tracked vehicles. We draw lots for off-road rides with the Marder, Puma, and Leopard 2 tanks. Barreling across the terrain at over 50 km/h, the tracks cut through the moorland sand, branches brush close over our heads, and dust clouds the sky. We experience the ride in the hull of the infantry fighting vehicles and are amazed at how cramped it is for the soldiers inside. An armored infantry tank demolition squad impressively demonstrates dismounting and reconnaissance.

Now we’re standing next to the trenches. In an equally impressive scenario, the tank force demonstrates to us its precise coordination of combined forces engaged in a firefight. We experience the Leopard 2, Puma, Marder, as well as dismounted armored infantry in live combat. We also become acquainted with the reconnaissance unit and its Fennek reconnaissance vehicle, Fuchs armored personnel carrier, and the Luna drone.

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Business as usual: up at 5:30 a.m., breakfast, press review. Routine is setting in. Today’s special guest is the Inspector General of the German Army, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais, who speaks about the future of the German Armed Forces and the political background behind decisions. It’s a lively discussion with the German Army’s top brass.

This is followed by an educational briefing on Army handguns, with a special focus on safety and shooting techniques. Highly skilled instructors from the ongoing officer training course provide valuable tips – first on the simulator, then out on the shooting range. At the same time, we learn about life in the field: starting a fire, collecting drinking water, and pitching a tent.

Another highlight is our visit to the Munster Tank Museum. Old equipment – intense emotions. The development of tanks over the years is fascinating – from the first models such as the A7V armored fighting vehicle to the Königstiger and the Leopard 2.

Conclusion: “The Combat Uniform Unites”

It’s an intense week packed full of extraordinary insights into the German Armed Forces – things we don’t experience every day. We’re all going to remember the wide range of events and activities – from technical presentations and lively discussions to extensive demonstrations and numerous first-hand experiences – for many years to come. Everyone that took part in the course was left with a rough understanding of what camaraderie means. The combat uniform unites.

The mood was cheerful, yet our minds were also on the serious things that the German Armed Forces also stand for: combat, wounds, and death. In the German Armed Forces of 2023, we encounter soldiers from Hungary, Thailand, Brazil, South Korea, Italy, and even Ukraine. We’re impressed by young women and men who are highly competent and motivated to complete their tasks. We owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the German Armed Forces who defend our democratic values and freedom. We, too, have come to understand what defensive democracy means and how necessary it is.

Fotos: VINCORION / Bjane Jacobsen

More information about the InfoDVag Heer 2023 is available here.

Not only are they dangerous predators, they also lend their names to the German Armed Forces’ systems – during military operations, the Leopard, Puma, and Boxer are distantly reminiscent of their animal counterparts. Our overview illustrates what makes the individual tanks stand out and what distinguishes them from one another:

The German Armed Forces use the Leopard 2 as what is known as a main battle tank. Just like the predator, it is characterized by a high degree of mobility and power, made possible by its strong armor, large-caliber cannon in a gun turret that can be rotated 360 degrees, and – a crucial difference from the transport tanks – its caterpillar tracks. The Leopard 2 is used to combat enemy main battle tanks and fortified positions. Among other systems, VINCORION’s on-board power supply, large dust blower, and gun turret and weapon stabilization systems ensure the tank’s smooth operation. Other well-known main battle tanks include the Challenger 2 (UK), M1 Abrams (USA), Leclerc (France), and K2 Black Panther (South Korea).

Infantry fighting vehicles such as the Puma and its predecessor, the Marder, are also deployed on the front line, but with lighter armor. Their job is to transport infantry groups – six to ten people in addition to the vehicle’s own crew – and provide support during combat.  Infantry fighting vehicles are equipped with lighter, rapid-fire machine guns and, increasingly, anti-tank guided missiles. A special feature of the Puma is that it is the first infantry fighting vehicle with a 170 kW power system. The state-of-the-art on-board power supply with its compact starter generator, which is located between the HPD engine and the transmission, is also a solution developed by VINCORION, as are the gun turret and weapon stabilization systems. We are currently optimizing the Puma’s power electronics.

Transport tanks such as the Fox or transport vehicles such as the Boxer have much weaker armor, but are faster and more maneuverable. Another distinguishing feature is that they do not run on tracks, but instead have wheels. Transport tanks are also characterized by their multifunctionality. With medical, reconnaissance, weapons, and other mission modules, the systems are equipped to suit the specific application. VINCORION also supplies the on-board power supply for the Boxer.

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Picture source: The Ad Store GmbH

In addition, there are a number of specialized armored vehicles that fulfill a special mission in the German Armed Forces.

The “Buffalo” or Bergepanzer 3 A1 is a real behemoth of an armored recovery vehicle (ARV) with a combat weight of 55.3 tons and 1,500 hp. Its three-person crew clears obstacles and is even capable of recovering immobilized vehicles under fire. To do so, the Buffalo’s crane system can lift up to 30 tons. The chassis is structurally identical to the Leopard 2 main battle tank. In addition to the on-board power supply, VINCORION supplies the welding controller for the equipment installed that the Buffalo uses to carry out repairs.

The Iguana bridge-laying tank is gradually replacing its predecessor, the Beaver. Its chassis is also based on the Leopard 2, but the turret has been replaced by a high-speed armored bridge with a laying system. This allows the Iguana to build a 26-meter crossing within five minutes. All of the German Armed Forces’ heavy combat vehicles can use the bridges due to their high load-bearing capacity of more than 70 tons, enabling them to cross small rivers or obstacles.

Equipped with an excavator arm and a scraper blade with ripper teeth for hard ground, the Badger pioneer tank digs through the soil just as skillfully as its animal counterpart. It performs clearing, dredging and recovery work, prepares emplacements for battle tanks, and makes impassable terrain passable. Even bodies of water can’t stop it – the Badger can travel underwater at a depth of up to 4 meters.

Nimble and light, but not to be underestimated, the Wiesel armored weapons carrier (AWC) comes in a number of configurations for reconnaissance, engaging enemy targets, or providing medical care. Its modest size earned it the nickname “Pocket Tank.” Although its tracks are as narrow as a notebook, the Wiesel 1 AWC packs some serious firepower and can even pose a threat to full-sized main battle tanks. The air-transportable vehicle is particularly used by the German Army’s mountain troops and paratroopers.

Picture source header (tank in sunrise): cla78 /iStock