Today, armed forces and security institutions face the challenge of coordinating complex operations across allies, domains, and supply chains while remaining resilient, transparent, and capable of action. At the newly opened Defense Innovation Hub in Munich, SAP brings together software, data, AI, and industry expertise to demonstrate how integrated digital systems can help translate strategic objectives into operational readiness. This enables key areas such as personnel availability, logistics, procurement, manufacturing, training, and maintenance to be comprehensively interconnected. Together, these capabilities form the digital foundation for real-world defense operations.

The key is the interconnection of all parameters

“Today, operational readiness can no longer be measured solely by equipment—what matters is how well people, processes, and partners are interconnected,” says Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE for Customer Services & Delivery. “In an increasingly volatile security environment, armed forces need systems they can rely on—systems that are resilient, interoperable, and sovereign. With our Defense Innovation Hub, we demonstrate how digital platforms can strengthen operational readiness without compromising control, compliance, or freedom of action.”

A hub built on Munich’s defense and technology ecosystem

With its strong defense and technology ecosystem, Munich offers the ideal setting for the new hub. Here, innovative startups meet established industry leaders, and cutting-edge academic research meets public institutions. The Technical University of Munich and key local government agencies create the best conditions for cross-sector collaboration. Visitors were able to experience, through practical scenarios, how SAP solutions for internal and external security integrate people, resources, and supply chains into a unified, secure situational picture.

Translating cutting-edge research into operational security and defense capabilities

“The Technical University of Munich is pleased to work with SAP to translate cutting-edge research into operational security and defense capabilities,” said Chiara Manfletti, head of the Chair of Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy at the Technical University of Munich and scientific director of the newly founded TUM Security and Defense Alliance. “Given the accelerating pace of technological innovation, strategic partnerships like this one ensure that scientific breakthroughs can be rapidly translated into concrete applications to sustainably strengthen operational readiness.”

The opening also marked the start of the Munich Security Conference, which focused on resilience, interoperability, and technological sovereignty. Throughout the week, SAP engaged with policymakers and partners to discuss how digital innovations can support security and defense in an increasingly fragmented world.

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