Europe scopes out civilian technology to boost defense capabilities

Hannover Messe, known as one of the world's largest industrial trade fairs, is breaking new ground this year by placing defense at the center of its agenda.

The shift reflects a broader trend across Europe, where geopolitical tensions are prompting countries to take greater responsibility for their own security and military capabilities.

Among the standout innovations are semi-automated robots designed to handle dangerous tasks such as de-mining and operating in high-risk environments, reducing the need for soldiers to be directly exposed to harm.

"The technology is ready to come out of a structured setting like a warehouse or a factory," explains Harpal Mandaher, CEO of Sarcomere Dynamics.

"Now we can take the same tech and apply it for military applications."

Rather than finished weapons systems, the new defense section at the trade fair showcases dual-use technologies — innovations originally developed for civilian industries but now finding applications in defense such as robotics, software, printed circuit boards and advanced materials.

For companies in struggling sectors, particularly automotive suppliers in Germany, this transition offers a potential lifeline.

"Things aren't quite as promising in the automotive industry as they were a few years ago," Anne Pralle, marketing manager at Abat, told CGTN.

"That's why, of course, we need to look around and see what's happening in other sectors."

This sentiment is echoed by defense-focused business leaders, who note a growing recognition that Europe must strengthen its own capabilities rather than depend heavily on allies like the United States.

Among those attending the trade fair was Germany's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, who called for fewer regulatory barriers to rapidly increase military production in Europe.

"The systematic development of dual-use technologies as a bridge between civilian strength and military security offers enormous opportunities," the minister said.

However, not everyone is convinced that all civilian technologies can be effectively adapted for defense purposes.

David Anderson, retired Canadian army general and now chief strategy officer at Sarcomere Dynamics, told CGTN that he worries "about people who are chasing dual use money when in fact it's not really all that applicable to the military".

He added: "Ultimately anything that we spend on the military should result in military success or a reduction in casualties.

"Europe is going to have to increase the ability to defend themselves in the absence of reliable allies.

"Canada is in the same boat."