Business Trip to Germany: Defence and Security Industry

The EU defense industry is facing new challenges. On the one hand, the current security situation is causing companies to become increasingly concerned about the safety of their investments and the resilience of international supply chains. On the other hand, it has become clear that the global security crisis can also serve as a prerequisite for stronger cohesion within the European community: the leading manufacturer of military vehicles, weapon systems, and ammunition, Rheinmetall, is currently preparing an expansion into the Baltic states.

The German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce (AHK) invites you to participate in our exclusive business trip “Defense and Security Industry in Germany” on May 7–8, 2026. This trip offers you the opportunity to gain an overview of the defense and security industry in the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany. We will visit the Rheinmetall plant in Kiel, where the development, prototyping, testing, and production of armored vehicles and associated systems take place. As part of the trip, we will also visit one of the world’s leading companies in the naval shipbuilding industry, TKMS (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems). The company is headquartered in Kiel (Germany) and specializes in non-nuclear submarines as well as surface warships.

In addition, we will visit the high-tech company FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft, which designs, produces, modernizes, maintains, and repairs wheeled and tracked military vehicles and serves defense sector clients in more than 40 countries worldwide. Another visit on the agenda is the technology and defense-oriented company Vincorion, which develops and produces mission-critical energy and power systems for defense applications.

Guided tours of the production facilities are planned, allowing participants to experience cutting-edge technologies in the production process up close. There will also be opportunities to exchange ideas with leading industry experts.

Program Overview:

TKMS (Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems) in Kiel
TKMS is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of naval vessels, headquartered in Kiel. The company focuses on the construction, integration, and maintenance of non-nuclear submarines, as well as frigates, corvettes, and maritime sensor technology. TKMS is a key player in German naval shipbuilding and manages major defense projects for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) as well as international navies. Its core products include submarine programs such as the Type 212CD, along with other military shipbuilding programs. TKMS is also negotiating the strategic acquisition of the neighboring shipyard German Naval Yards Kiel to further strengthen its capacities.

FFG Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG)
FFG is a German defense and high-tech company with more than 150 years of tradition in Flensburg. The company develops, manufactures, and modernizes wheeled and tracked military vehicles, and provides maintenance, conversion, and repair services, as well as customized defense technology solutions. FFG offers complete solutions including after-sales service and serves international defense customers from over 40 countries.

Rheinmetall in Kiel
Rheinmetall is one of Germany’s largest defense contractors. At its Kiel site (through its subsidiary Rheinmetall Landsysteme), the company conducts development and production of armored vehicles and systems, including prototyping, testing, and assembly processes. Rheinmetall supplies modern tank and infantry systems to the German Armed Forces and international military forces, and is also driving strategic expansion in land, sea, and air defense.

Vincorion in Wedel
Vincorion is a technology- and defense-oriented company based in Wedel (near Hamburg). It develops and produces critical energy and drive systems for military applications, including power generators, power electronics, engines, and stabilization systems for armored vehicles, air defense, and aircraft systems. Vincorion supplies components for key military platforms such as Leopard 2, PUMA, and IRIS-T, thereby strengthening the technological base of the European defense industry.

The participation fee for the two-day business trip, including catering, dinner, one overnight stay, as well as flights and travel expenses, is €1,900 + VAT.

The price includes: outbound flight to Hamburg, return flight from Hamburg, transportation by private minibus, one overnight stay in a single room including breakfast, all company visits, lunches, dinner, and personal on-site support by our project manager.

Language: English

Registration deadline: March 23, 2026

We look forward to your registration and participation in the business trip!