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Trump switches sides: New laser technology for the arms industry!
The Baden-Württemberg company Trumpf enters the arms sector and develops lasers for drone defense and reacts to changes in security policy.
Trump switches sides: New laser technology for the arms industry!
A revolution is imminent, in an industry that has long been considered taboo. The Ditzinger laser producer Trump has now taken the step to actively immerse itself in the defense sector. The company plans to use its innovative laser technology specifically for defensive solutions to defend against drones and will offer its products to defense companies in the future. With his finger on the pulse of the times, Trumpf has decidedly reorientated his strategy in view of the changing security policy situation in Europe.
After Russia's attack on Ukraine, the security policy framework changed drastically. Trumpf, which has operated without military applications for over 100 years, is responding to increased demand and the need for effective countermeasures against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Loud Munich Eye Trumpf is developing a laser system that can specifically deactivate or even destroy drones. This novel technology could help minimize collateral damage while increasing defense efficiency.
The economic significance
With a decline in sales from 5.2 billion euros to 4.3 billion euros in the 2024/2025 financial year, Trumpf is under pressure. Order intake also fell, from 4.6 billion euros to 4.2 billion euros. This clearly shows that the pressure to change is not only strategic, but also economic. At the end of May 2025, Trumpf announced that it would cut around 1,000 jobs, another indicator of the need to develop new business areas.
But it's not just Trump that's on the move. Thanks to the new security policy priorities in Germany and the EU, numerous companies, such as engine manufacturer Deutz or the steel group Salzgitter, are also planning to enter the defense sector. An armaments boom is sweeping through German industry, with more and more companies that have not traditionally been active in military areas seeing new opportunities. NZZ reports on extensive investments that are to be made in the rearmament of Europe in the coming years and could raise hopes of job security in crisis sectors such as the automotive industry.
A responsible step?
With all of these developments, the question remains as to how the public and society will perceive this new direction from Trumpf and other companies. President Nicola Leibinger-Kammüller has already confirmed that laser technology should not be used as an offensive weapon. The technology should only be used for defense and not directed against people. This shows the responsibility that comes with such a step and the effort to communicate this accordingly.
The changed security policy framework in Europe, especially against the background of the war in Ukraine, opens up new opportunities and challenges. Trumpf has the potential to use his technological know-how not only to support national security strategies, but also to contribute to security in Europe. How successful this change will be for the company and the industry as a whole remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: things are moving!