East German state premiers hold special conference on aerospace and defence at BER airport
The state premiers of eastern Germany convened at Berlin Brandenburg Airport today to coordinate investment in drone technology, rail links, and aerospace manufacturing, with federal officials in attendance.
East Germany’s state premiers convened at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) on Thursday for a special conference on security, defence technology and aerospace manufacturing, held on the fringes of the ILA Berlin air show. Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU), who hosted the meeting, said the gathering would address pressing national security challenges while showcasing the east’s role as a centre for civil and military aviation.
Germany faces major security-policy challenges. At our special conference of the heads of government of the eastern German states, we want to discuss investments in security and defence technology, but also highlight the importance of the eastern German states as a location for aerospace.
What was on the table
The premiers discussed concrete measures to strengthen the region’s aerospace industry, including the development of drone capabilities on former National People’s Army (NVA) airfields. They also pushed for improved rail connections to eastern neighbours and a greater number of long‑haul routes serving BER, the capital’s airport.
Federal backing
Federal Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) and the federal government’s Commissioner for Eastern Germany, Elisabeth Kaiser, attended the talks. A midday press conference was scheduled to release the meeting’s conclusions, after which the state leaders planned a tour of the ILA exhibition.
ILA Berlin and the Clean Aviation pact
The ILA Berlin show, which runs until Sunday, is showcasing new products and innovations in aviation, space and defence. Until Friday it is reserved for trade visitors; the public can attend on Saturday and Sunday, provided they hold tickets. On the opening day, Brandenburg, Saxony and the European research programme Clean Aviation signed a cooperation agreement to advance low‑emission aircraft technologies, the Brandenburg economics ministry announced.
The discussions come at a time when Germany is re‑evaluating its defence posture and industrial strategy, with eastern states vying to become hubs for dual‑use aerospace innovation.
