Germany is set to unveil its new defense industry strategy by the end of the year, which aims to reduce bureaucratic obstacles and expedite arms production, as stated by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Monday.

As the largest supporter of Ukraine in Europe, Germany has committed to revitalizing its weakened Bundeswehr and enhancing defense capabilities as part of a “Zeitenwende” or “turning point” policy shift that was initiated following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“For too long, the state has viewed itself more as a regulator than as a partner to the defense industry,” Pistorius remarked during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new missile production facility for MBDA in Schrobenhausen.

“The objective is to further bolster our nation’s defense industrial base during these challenging times. We aim not only to sustain it but to enhance it,” he added. “Thus, we intend to specifically improve the conditions for an efficient security and defense industry.”

The strategy may enable the government to invest in arms manufacturers and defense initiatives in “strategic cases,” and it includes recommendations for promoting essential technologies and enhancing the financial framework of the industry, according to a draft reviewed by Reuters.

Pistorius also mentioned at a different event on Monday at Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Donauwoerth that the government remains capable of taking decisive action, even after the coalition involving the minister’s Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the pro-market Free Democrats has disbanded.

The federal government will certainly maintain active and thorough discussions with the security and defense sector, stated Pistorius.