armasuisse takes part in DACH meeting of research directors of Defence Procurement Groups in Austria
Bern, 22.10.2026 — On 21 and 22 October 2026, the research directors of the Defence Procurement Groups from Germany, Austria and Switzerland met in Graz, Austria. Switzerland was represented by Thomas Rothacher, Head of armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) and a delegation. The talks focused on current developments in defence research as well as the potential for closer cooperation between the DACH countries in research and technology.
The annual DACH meeting brought together the heads of research from the three countries, to exchange ideas on technological developments, research activities and common challenges in the area of defence and security. At the same time, the research directors constituted the Steering Committee Research and Technology (R&T) of the DACH R&T Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and discussed current as well as future cooperation projects.
Future technologies and research cooperation
As part of this year’s meeting at Graz University of Technology, the participants discussed current developments and challenges in defence research. This included topics such as energy technology, autonomous systems and knowledge security. The programme was enhanced by insights into the research work of Graz University of Technology, in particular in the areas of autonomous systems for defence applications and resilient energy supply. Another key focus was on European opportunities for cooperation as well as future technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and space technologies.
Benefits for research and technology
Switzerland has been cooperating closely with Germany and Austria in the area of research and technology for several years. The DACH meeting offered the opportunity to discuss current technological developments and shared issues, as well as to reconcile interests in selected areas of research. For armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T), the exchange is an important aspect of international networking and supplies valuable incentives for future research and technology projects.
The next DACH meeting of the research directors is expected to take place in autumn 2027 in Germany.