German coalition MPs demand stronger state control of tank maker KNDS

Coalition parliamentarians from the SPD and Union have issued a position paper calling for extensive state veto and appointment powers over the German‑French armoured‑vehicle joint venture KNDS, in which the federal government intends to purchase a 40 % share. The lawmakers argue that such powers are essential ahead of the planned acquisition of roughly 3,000 Boxer wheeled vehicles, warning that “the Bundes must have strong veto and co‑decision rights for the appointment or dismissal of board members and executives at KNDS.”

The MPs also stress the need to prevent the loss of German defence technology and jobs, demanding a “German Eyes Only” principle that would restrict work on systems originally developed by Krauss‑Maffei Wegmann to German personnel. They cite fears that knowledge from the Leopard tank and Boxer platform could otherwise flow to foreign partners. The French state holds half of the shares in Nexter, the French partner in KNDS, underscoring the cross‑border nature of the venture.

Negotiations between the government and KNDS management have stalled over how much influence the state will have and how tightly the French side can be integrated. The deadline is pressing, as KNDS plans an initial public offering by mid‑July, at which point the terms of the state entry must be finalised.