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From printing to presses to drones

04:20

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Marta Grudzinska
August 11, 2026

As factories struggle and jobs disappear, more German firms are switching to military production. A 175-year-old printing press maker is building military vehicles – part of a much bigger shift across German industry.

Germany’s struggling industrial sector is increasingly turning to defense as a source of growth. As military spending rises, companies from automotive suppliers to engineering firms are adapting their expertise for drones, autonomous vehicles and other dual-use technologies. Supporters argue the trend could help protect jobs, boost innovation and strengthen Europe’s industrial base.

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