The German government will buy a 40% stake in tankmaker KNDS. The deal is as much about control in the critical defense sector as it is about the Franco-German relationship.
Pretty normal in Europe. Governments like to keep strategic stakes in key defence companies operating in their area. One being simply “if we own them, they can’t leave. That is good for longterm supply security.”
Finland owns control of Patria, Norway of Kongsberg, Sweden doesn’t own SAAB, however Wallenberg family is as much a swedish institution as the state itself. Airbus is pretty much dominated by ownership stakes of the various governments part of the joint program. France owns Nexter/GIAT/half of KNDS. Italy owns strategic major stake of Leonardo.
Pretty normal in Europe. Governments like to keep strategic stakes in key defence companies operating in their area. One being simply “if we own them, they can’t leave. That is good for longterm supply security.”
Finland owns control of Patria, Norway of Kongsberg, Sweden doesn’t own SAAB, however Wallenberg family is as much a swedish institution as the state itself. Airbus is pretty much dominated by ownership stakes of the various governments part of the joint program. France owns Nexter/GIAT/half of KNDS. Italy owns strategic major stake of Leonardo.