Digital sovereignty for the Bundeswehr

Materna develops and provides professional IT solutions that reliably support the German Armed Forces in fulfilling their duties and tasks both at home and abroad. We are guiding the German Armed Forces towards the future of digital sovereignty.

Requirements

The operational capabilities of the armed forces are continually adapted in line with the prevailing security situation. Today’s threats include, for example, cyber and terrorist attacks, pandemics and natural disasters. The Bundeswehr must also be able to draw on its capabilities and expertise at an international level. The demand for reliable, highly available and fail-safe IT systems for the Bundeswehr is growing enormously. These systems must protect Germany and its allies whilst ensuring that missions are carried out successfully. With the advent of the digital age, the requirements placed on such systems are changing dramatically. Numerous organisational units within the Bundeswehr rely on flawless and deployable IT solutions, without which they would be unable to realise their full operational potential.

Eine Stadtansicht bei Sonnenuntergang, verbunden durch ein digitales Netzwerk mit leuchtenden Knotenpunkten, das die digitale Vernetzung und Smart-City-Konzepte symbolisiert.

Adobe Stock ©

Adobe Stock ©

Solutions for the digital age in the German Armed Forces

Materna supports the German Armed Forces with digital technologies, thereby making an important contribution to our own security and that of our partners. We have decades of experience with digital technologies and solutions, enabling us to provide the armed forces with the support they need to fulfil their mission: from situation analysis and reconnaissance, through threat prevention and crisis response, to secure reporting systems and inter-ministerial cooperation. Consultants with military experience provide comprehensive services to the Bundeswehr’s in-house IT service provider, thereby making an enormous contribution on behalf of Materna to the security of Germany and its alliances. In highly complex application scenarios, we develop modern, tailor-made concepts and implement processes in a way that is strategically and substantively customer-focused.

Smart IT solutions to support operations

Maintaining a clear overview at all times, whatever the situation, is one of the most important aspects of the Bundeswehr’s mission fulfilment. This makes it far easier to carry out strategic planning of its own forces and to respond swiftly to changes in the theatre of operations. Systems that are always operational and robust, ensuring real-time data transmission, are essential. Live transmissions ensure that decision-makers can better assess events and draw appropriate conclusions. The Bundeswehr requires this type of situational awareness to improve planning for crisis management as well as state and federal defence (LV/BV). Thanks to an extensive network of partners, the Materna Group is able to provide the armed forces with appropriate support in the design of dynamic situational awareness systems. Together, we are thus able to develop high-performance solutions that meet the Bundeswehr’s high standards.

Materna digitises the military supply chain, from material notification through to transhipment points and transport, right through to operational readiness. We combine military requirements with tried-and-tested solutions from high-performance logistics, traffic control and customs procedures.

Yard and depot management are key elements: vehicles, loading points, containers and transhipment processes are managed digitally, time slots are dynamically coordinated and resources are allocated in real time. This results in higher throughput, shorter waiting times and clear priorities, even under exercise and operational conditions.

Digital management of transhipment points and loading bays: featuring time-slot control, automated call-offs, real-time resource allocation and clear prioritisation during operations
Tried-and-tested platforms for yard and depot management, including track and trace, carrier collaboration and container management, which can be adapted for military processes
Seamless integration of traffic conditions, infrastructure, transhipment and customs into a situational overview that effectively links deployment corridors, yard processes and operational logistics

We ensure end-to-end traceability from notification through to arrival in the theatre of operations and integrate traffic conditions, infrastructure, cargo handling and customs into a consistent situational picture. The result is interoperable, manageable logistics processes that operate reliably across all domains and ensure the Bundeswehr’s operational readiness.

Materna supports military mobility in areas where deployment speed, predictability and interoperability are crucial. We integrate tactically optimised deployment corridors, national traffic management and secure customs processes to create a comprehensive overview of movements from the point of departure to the destination area. Military transport, infrastructure and host nation support thus become a single, manageable system.

With AutobahnOS and the German Traffic Control Centre, we possess the capabilities to enable tactically optimised route planning on national transport corridors. Traffic conditions, infrastructure status and security-related aspects are integrated and continuously updated, enabling deployment corridors to be planned, managed and adapted.

Customs expertise gained from over 30 years of ATLAS development for rapid, harmonised movements of equipment and troops across borders
National traffic management (‘AutobahnOS’ and the German Traffic Control Centre) as the basis for military deployment corridors and tactically optimised route guidance
A comprehensive capability network integrating deployment planning, infrastructure and the rescue chain: from the staging area right through to the mission

We ensure end-to-end traceability from planning right through to arrival. We link transport, customs, infrastructure and the rescue chain into a coherent situational picture, thereby supporting rapid, secure and autonomous military deployment capability.

Materna links emergency services’ capabilities from the battlefield right through to the rear, creating digital situational awareness that reduces transport times and speeds up decision-making. Casualty transport can be planned dynamically, the capacities of facilities and transport vehicles can be coordinated in real time, and the entire rescue chain – from initial contact through to handover – becomes a manageable system.

In parallel, Materna is developing VR/AR scenarios and AI-supported avatars for modern medical service training. The training environments simulate realistic operational situations and communication processes, enabling standardised training quality around the clock. This capability is being continuously developed and can be extended to further fields of application in the future.

This leads to better care, reduced delays and greater operational readiness.

Dynamic planning and management of casualty transport, integration of civilian and military resources for Host Nation Support
VR/AR and AI avatars for realistic operational scenarios, empathetic coaching and training quality available 24/7
Civil-military coordination and the integration of hospitals in the rear area, with a measurable impact on time, care and operational readiness

We ensure end-to-end traceability from the battlefield to the hospital, linking resources, situational awareness and training into a coherent network of capabilities, thereby strengthening the provision and effectiveness of the medical service.

Software-Defined Defence

Digitalisation is fundamentally transforming warfare. Shorter innovation cycles, escalating threats and limited resources pose enormous challenges for modern armed forces. At the same time, the range of tasks is expanding – from hybrid threats and cyber operations to networked combat operations.

To meet these demands, greater adaptability and standardised, reusable software solutions are required. Only through a standardised middleware layer and standardised interfaces can processes be designed efficiently and existing systems seamlessly integrated. It must be possible to make continuous adjustments without having to alter the entire IT infrastructure.

Software-Defined Defence (SDD) is a key principle for the future development of the armed forces. It aims to harness the enormous potential of software to continuously improve and expand the capabilities of weapon systems.

A key foundation for overcoming these challenges is trust-based and cooperative collaboration between defence and IT companies, the Bundeswehr and the academic community. Materna is your partner for digital command and control.

Our strengths

Expertise in interoperability and integration through open operating platforms and the development of collaboration systems
Leading the way in cyber security and the protection of sensitive data, including BSI-certified VS-NfD and NATO-Restricted applications
Experience with high-performance IT architectures for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and sensor data processing

Further information can be found in our ‘Software Defined Defence’ OnePager [PDF]

Our services for greater protection and resilience

Cyber threats are on the rise worldwide, and cyber attacks are becoming increasingly complex. Consequently, there is a high demand for cyber security solutions and the development of strong cyber resilience. This has led to a growing need for cyber resilience experts and their services. Materna supports national authorities, leading clients in the manufacturing industry, KRITIS organisations such as those in the financial and energy sectors, the retail sector and the public sector with turnkey solutions for cyber resilience management. The Materna Cyber Resilience Platform encompasses the necessary technologies for security detection and incident response, as well as all the components required for operations within a Security Operations Centre (SOC) to enable the early detection of cyber threats.

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We combine sensor data fusion with AI-based verification to generate reliable and secure situational awareness for drone detection. Our solution is designed to be either stationary or deployable and enables the protection of personnel and infrastructure to be managed within a single, integrated system.

The SiVoKo app also provides a trusted information base for security-related observations. It is prioritised and can be used across organisations. In addition, the SecurePIM solution provides secure, encrypted, ultra-mobile communication capabilities for mission-critical information. Both solutions are prioritised and can be used across organisations.

Sensor fusion and AI-based verification for reliable detection of individual drones and swarms with minimal false alarms
Protection of stationary and mobile forces: premises, command posts, transhipment points and troop movements
Cross-organisational situational awareness via SiVoKo and secure mobile communication via SecurePIM

We ensure end-to-end traceability from detection to response, integrating sensor data, alerts and situational information into a consistent picture, thereby supporting the effective protection of forces and infrastructure, whether stationary or on the move.

At the state level, emergency services must be able to communicate efficiently across different departments whilst exchanging clear and accurate information. Cooperation between civilian forces at local, state and federal levels – including reinforcement from the Bundeswehr – and the involvement of aid organisations is essential in this regard. The Bundeswehr’s Territorial Command and the Federal Crisis Prevention Information System (KVInfoSysBund) must be able to coordinate their forces seamlessly. This requires functional digital solutions, the appropriate infrastructure and a well-thought-out, resilient strategy. Materna implements a wide range of specialist procedures that ensure and provide logistical support for civil emergency response in the context of civil protection, as well as in the event of defence or alliance contingencies. We have highly trained staff and implement requirements in a targeted manner in line with our clients’ needs.

Classifying manufacturers and nations as ‘friend’ or ‘foe’ is a complex task due to intricate structures and political influences. To achieve digital sovereignty, aspects such as digital self-determination, scalability and interoperability are essential. For proprietary products, strategies or in-house developments are necessary. Resilient IT architecture, expertise and a network of trusted partners are indispensable for true digital sovereignty. The state’s ability to guarantee security and data protection is central to digitalisation. Materna provides support through its technological expertise, particularly in open-source systems, and makes a significant contribution to IT security through integration and migration. Through risk analysis, impact assessments and adherence to BSI criteria, Materna helps to make a substantial contribution to safeguarding IT security.

Digital Enablers & Organisation for the Bundeswehr

Materna supports the design and operation of stable, interoperable IT services across all capability domains. We combine IT service management, process optimisation and low-code technologies to digitise business processes quickly, in a standardised and auditable manner. This ranges from requirements analysis through service design to operational deployment.

Using Alfabet, ARIS, USU and PEGA, we model processes, services and data end-to-end, ensuring that requirements, service catalogues, SLAs and operational metrics remain aligned. As a result, applications become available more quickly, are easier to adapt and are operated securely. Responsibilities are precisely defined and systems enjoy higher availability.

End-to-end view of processes and services: from requirements analysis through service catalogues, SLAs and dashboards to operations
Expertise in Alfabet, ARIS, USU and PEGA, combined with low-code implementation for fast, robust solutions
Seamless integration of Enterprise Architecture Management and IT Service Management, enabling target architectures to be transformed more quickly into stable, highly available services

We create a consistent, manageable service network that supports domains and enables both innovation and operations in equal measure.

Materna designs the digital architecture of the Bundeswehr in areas where leadership, impact and interoperability are crucial. Our teams support business, system and service architectures in the key domains of land, air, sea, cyberspace and the information domain.

We have experience in project-based needs assessment and utilisation (PBN)-based requirements gathering, but are equally proficient in architectural work outside the PBN framework, for example in programmes and capability projects with independent governance structures. Accordingly, we design architectural models and requirements in a manner appropriate to the situation, methodologically consistent and without procedural constraints. On this basis, we create robust models, prioritised requirements catalogues and traceable architectures.

In-depth expertise in NAFv4, ADMBw and PBN, as well as practical experience in requirements gathering, modelling and target architectures
Support in Bundeswehr domains using operationally proven architectural approaches
System integrator with methodological expertise: from requirements management through OpArch to system architecture

We ensure vertical traceability from the NATO target down to the operational requirement, based on proven architectural methods such as NAFv4 and ADMBw. Modelling and verification are carried out using appropriate tools such as SPARX EA, Require7 and other toolchain components, depending on the specific programme context. This results in end-to-end, interoperable architectural models that function reliably across all domains.

AI-supported data analysis is essential for optimal decision-making, the early detection of threats and a dynamic response to changing circumstances. Digitalisation is causing a massive increase in the volume of data. Artificial intelligence enables these data sets to be structured and analysed more efficiently. The recommendations and forecasts derived from this are a key factor not only in defence and alliance scenarios, but also within organisational and strategic planning. Materna continues to drive the expansion of AI technologies within the armed forces to ensure maximum usability of the data in the future as well. You can read about the opportunities offered by the use of artificial intelligence and how Materna can assist with this on the GenAI website.

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Digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in ensuring that government institutions in the fields of defence and public safety operate efficiently and effectively. The challenges range from ensuring the safety and protection of citizens to managing complex crisis scenarios. Materna understands the importance of a future-oriented IT infrastructure. Our expertise spans the provision of professional IT solutions through to appropriate approaches for planning and managing such transformations in the field of enterprise architecture management. Modern IT must be highly available, fail-safe and reliable in order to ensure that the Bundeswehr can always carry out its missions flawlessly. Materna maintains partnerships with leading software and hardware manufacturers and utilises innovative technologies such as quantum computer-based AI systems for tap-proof communication or particularly high-resolution situational awareness. Our holistic approaches support the Bundeswehr’s digital sovereignty through a resilient IT architecture and strong innovations.

The threat posed by attacks on digital infrastructure, as well as on ultra-mobile communications solutions, is increasing significantly due to external factors. In this context, the Bundeswehr’s ultra-mobile working environments present vulnerabilities that could weaken Germany’s defences. In future, this trend is set to intensify enormously across the various branches of the Bundeswehr, right up to the highest levels of command, and jeopardises the army’s ability to act swiftly and in response to specific incidents. For this reason, the armed services must always have access to adequately secured operational data in order to respond comprehensively, dynamically and across all areas to these attacks. Materna Virtual Solution provides support in designing the overall strategy. In doing so, Materna Virtual Solution develops and integrates secure mobile applications that relieve the burden on and support the operational armed forces, for example during their missions both at home and abroad.

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Technological progress within the Bundeswehr will also need to be integrated into the wider administrative and logistical framework in order to lay the foundations for its operational capability. A wide range of digitalisation options helps to design processes in a digital format that is fast, efficient and cost-effective. These include, amongst others, the military healthcare system with its medical units and Bundeswehr hospitals, and the Bundeswehr administration with its numerous business processes due for automation. Nor should the logistical processes be underestimated, as they are particularly important for troops during domestic and overseas operations. From fleet management to the transport of large consignments, the Materna Group can draw on many successfully completed reference projects from its long-standing experience to provide the Bundeswehr with targeted support in its digital transformation.

Cooperation between the Bundeswehr, NATO, the EU and the UN is essential in today’s world. These various organisations have specific requirements for their IT systems and processes, which must be met by companies. These include secure data exchange, adherence to compliance guidelines, and rights- and role-based collaboration. To meet these requirements, Materna offers specialist expertise, solutions and technologies tailored to the needs of these organisations, such as the provision of integrated and automated client and server management.