MBS CEO urges German government to adopt simpler, grandmother‑style procurement to include Mittelstand in defense contracts
Executive summary: MBS CEO Sven Sünberg publicly criticized the Bundeswehr’s procurement policy, saying it sidelines medium‑sized firms and advised the government to follow his grandmother’s simple approach. The comment draws attention to possible inefficiencies and inequities in defense spending that could affect the competitiveness of German SMEs and the overall effectiveness of military procurement.
Who is involved: Sven Sünberg (MBS CEO), Bundeswehr procurement authorities, German federal government, Mittelstand enterprises in the defense and aerospace sectors.
Likely next: Increased pressure on defense authorities to review tender procedures for greater SME inclusion, potentially leading to policy adjustments or pilot programs in the second half of 2026.
Sven Sünberg, chief executive of satellite manufacturer MBS, criticized the Bundeswehr’s procurement process for overlooking medium‑sized companies and called for a return to straightforward, practical purchasing rules. His remarks highlight a growing concern that large defense contracts are excluding capable SMEs, potentially weakening the resilience of Germany’s defense industrial base. The critique comes amid broader debates about regulatory reform and the role of the Mittelstand in public spending.
Timeline
- — MBS-Chef Sven Sünberg: »Die Regierung sollte sich einfach an meiner Oma orientieren« (Der Spiegel — Wirtschaft)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Defense procurement
- German Mittelstand manufacturing
Key entities
Sources
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