The security and defense industry has been an integral part of the NMWP.NRW cluster for many years as a key application area for our core technologies—nanotechnology, nano- and microsystems technology, innovative materials, and photonics. Much like the automotive industry, medical technology, or aerospace, this field is also closely intertwined with the technological developments of our community.
When we decided to place a visible emphasis on the security and defense industry in our work, the response still surprised us. Despite the high economic relevance of this field in North Rhine-Westphalia, the momentum was unexpected: The themed evening “High-Tech Production and Innovative Materials for Aviation,” organized jointly with AeroSpace.NRW and Rheinmetall Aviation Services in April 2024, was fully booked after just two days—as was the follow-up event “High-Tech from North Rhine-Westphalia for the Security and Defense Industry” in February 2025.
This magazine explores these trends and highlights exemplary developments that underscore the capabilities of North Rhine-Westphalia’s industrial sector. For example, articles on industrial computed tomography demonstrate how non-destructive testing methods can meet the highest quality standards in the defense sector. Drone technologies from Arnsberg illustrate the role of modular, lightweight systems in reconnaissance and disaster response. Textile innovations such as metal-coated fibers open up new possibilities for protection and resilience in aerospace and defense. Carbon fiber approaches for sustainable high-performance materials, ceramics for personal protection, and the systematic testing and evaluation infrastructure for electromagnetic warfare also illustrate just how broad and application-oriented NRW’s expertise is.
In addition to these technological insights, we would like to draw particular attention to two interviews that clarify the strategic framework: Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy, describes the responsibilities and opportunities that North Rhine-Westphalia faces in a changing security policy environment. Dr. Hans C. Atz-Podien, CEO of the BDSV, highlights how small and medium-sized enterprises in North Rhine-Westphalia can contribute their expertise to the defense industry’s value chains and thereby strengthen Europe’s defense capabilities.
The latest issue of NMWP.NRW magazine makes it clear: North Rhine-Westphalia not only boasts technological excellence, but also a unique ecosystem of large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and research institutions that are working together to develop solutions for the future. Our goal is to highlight this innovative strength and to further strengthen the bridge between technological development and security-related applications.