A new defense innovation hub has been inaugurated in Munich by German software engineering company SAP SE, aiming to enhance digital readiness for armed forces and security customers in light of increasing modern and hybrid cyber threats. This initiative showcases SAP’s long-term commitment to bolstering the digital resilience of militaries, their various missions, allied nations, and supply chains.
The facility is designed to fuse data analytics, artificial intelligence, and industry expertise to deliver integrated solutions that support a range of defense-related needs, including logistics, arms sales, equipment manufacturing, training, and sustainment efforts. Thomas Saueressig, a board member responsible for customer services and delivery at SAP SE, emphasized that the center underscores the critical role that digital systems play in enhancing mission preparedness while ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining operational autonomy.
Saueressig pointed out that contemporary defense readiness extends beyond mere equipment. “It is defined by how well people, processes, and partners are connected,” he stated. He further added that, in an increasingly unpredictable security landscape, armed forces require systems that they can genuinely trust—systems characterized by resilience, interoperability, and sovereignty.
The strategic choice of Munich as the location for the hub enables SAP to leverage the city’s ecosystem, which is rich in startups, established defense firms, academic institutions, and government agencies. Among the hub’s initial partners is the Technical University of Munich (TUM), which is engaging in collaborative research to strengthen the initiative.
TUM has recently launched the “Security and Defense Alliance” program, aiming to connect innovative regional businesses with leading partners in the defense industry. This initiative seeks to identify next-generation marketable solutions that bolster operational capabilities relevant to deterrence, crisis prevention, stabilization, and peacekeeping.
Chiara Manfletti, head of the aerospace department and scientific lead of the Security and Defense Alliance at TUM, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with SAP. “As technological innovation accelerates, strategic partnerships such as this ensure that cutting-edge scientific developments can be rapidly deployed to strengthen operational readiness,” she noted.
The establishment of the defense innovation hub reflects a pivotal shift towards integrating advanced technologies into military operations, as stakeholders recognize the necessity for enhanced agility and innovation in a complex global security environment.
