# Germany Opens Defense Procurement to Startups

Germany is expanding access to defense procurement for startups and SMEs through faster Bundeswehr procedures and advance payments, while a €1.5 billion EU defense-industry work program adopted March 30, 2026, opened its first calls on March 31. For contractors, access still depends on prequalification and security, quality, and documentation requirements. BAAINBw’s new procurement categories and its planned innovation location in Kiel are additional developments relevant to companies seeking to enter the German defense market. The 2026 draft budget proposes €108.2 billion in defense spending, including the Bundeswehr Special Fund.

- Companies should prepare the prequalification, security, quality, and documentation materials identified in the signal and build relationships with the Bundeswehr, BAAINBw, and potential prime contractors or consortium members.
- The EU program offers a significant funding opportunity for European and Ukrainian defense industries; its first calls opened through the EU funding portal on March 31, 2026. The signal provides no application deadline.
- BAAINBw’s procurement categories and planned Kiel innovation location may provide relevant entry points for startups and SMEs pursuing Bundeswehr opportunities.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Government Entities
- Federal Ministry of Defense (BMVg)
- Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw)
- Bundeswehr
- European Commission

### Vendors
- WINGCOPTER ()
- THYRA ()
- Autonomous Teaming ()
- Helsing ()
- Quantum Systems ()

### Sources
- [The Startup Scene Meets the Defense Industry | SPARTANAT](https://spartanat.com/en/the-startup-scene-meets-the-defense-industry) - SPARTANAT.com