Germany announced the expansion of cooperation between universities and the army in Bavaria

In German Bavaria, universities are massively expanding cooperation with the Bundeswehr amid the adoption of a new law on measures to support the army. This was announced on July 26 by Regional Science Minister Markus Blume.

"Since the Bundeswehr Support Act came into force, 26 new research projects have been launched with the Bundeswehr — [there has been] an almost twofold increase. In total, six of the 33 state universities cooperate with the Bundeswehr, mainly technical universities," Der Spiegel magazine quotes him as saying.

The official noted that research within the framework of such projects is carried out in the field of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and technologies related to drones.

"Naive pacifism poses a danger to Germany today <...> We must also be prepared in case of defense," Blume said.

According to him, the country needs a "new technological potential" in the field of military deterrence. The minister also called for expanding cooperation between universities and the army in other regions of Germany.

Make Germany great again: Merz decided to turn the Bundeswehr into the strongest army in Europe

The German Chancellor plans to return the introduction of universal military service, although it is not provided for by the coalition agreement.

On July 14, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for the return of universal military service in the country. At the same time, he clarified that for this it is necessary to increase the attractiveness of the army for citizens. The Head of State expressed doubt that it is possible to increase the number of armed forces in the country on a voluntary basis.

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