Senator Vogt embarks on a space journey to Bavaria from Bremen.
Rewriting Aerospace Collaboration: Bremen, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg's Strategic Partnership
Way back in February, Senator Kristina Vogt from Bremen hit the road, heading to Bavaria for some close-knit chats with key players in the local aerospace sector. Her itinerary was jam-packed with visits to top dogs like OHB, MT Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, Airbus Defence and Space, and Exploration Company, along with a cheeky brainstorm with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the AZO Application Center Oberpfaffenhofen, a buddy of the Bremen-based space incubator ESA BIC Northern Germany. Fast forward, and these discussions are still making waves.
The discussion topics ranged from the latest breakthroughs in aerospace, such as upcoming missions, trailblazing tech, and Germany's competitive edge on the international stage. Senator Vogt even sat down with Bavarian State Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Tobias Gotthardt. Her take on the aerospace scene? "It's a goldmine for innovation, security, and economic muscle. Investments in aerospace, be they public or private, hold a world of possibilities, especially during industrial shifts, to spawn new jobs and open up new vistas."
With other nations investing heavily in aerospace, Europe risks being left in the dust. Increasing funds allocated to aerospace means pouring resources into technological progress, economic independence, security, education, and bolstering society as a whole. Depending on foreign countries long-term can result in some serious, wallet-busting costs—something history has taught us a thing or two about. Bremen takes center stage in aerospace. "We see this as a grand opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and other federal states, and to cement aerospace more firmly at the federal level."
Vogt's jaunt to Bavaria sent a crystal-clear message: the aerospace industry deserves our attention, and collaboration between leading German aerospace regions is the key. For years, Bremen, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg have been teaming up within the European Space Agency (ESA) to create joint recommendations for Germany's space strategy. This domestic partnership strengthens the economic and scientific ties between the three federal states, fostering innovation and positioning Germany as a prominent player in this cutting-edge field.
Fast-forward to mid-2025, and the collaboration between Bremen, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg is a critical component of Germany's evolving aerospace and space strategy. These strategic tie-ups breed technological synergies that fortify Germany's stance in global aerospace markets. This unified front is instrumental in enhancing Germany's defense capabilities, driving technological sovereignty, and shaping the foundations for future space and aerial systems.
[1] Strategic Partnership between SNC and Lufthansa Technik Defense Underlines International Collaboration in Aerospace (Source: DefenseNews, June 2023)[2] Quantum Systems and Airbus Collaborate on Unmanned Aerial Reconnaissance Systems (Source: Airbus Newsroom, March 2024)[3] Germany's Aerospace and Space Strategy: From Synergies to Sovereignty (Source: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, February 2025)
[1] The partnership between SNC and Lufthansa Technik Defense, as mentioned in DefenseNews in June 2023, is an exemplification of international collaboration in the aerospace industry.
[2] The collaboration between Quantum Systems and Airbus, as reported in Airbus Newsroom in March 2024, underscores Germany's commitment to investing in advanced technology within the aerospace and space sectors.
[3] As stated in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action's report, Germany's Aerospace and Space Strategy: From Synergies to Sovereignty, published in February 2025, this sector requires continuous investment, particularly in finance, science, and industry, to secure national security and technological independence in space and astronomy.
