Several developments make dual-use infrastructure a mandatory task

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  • A Turning Point in Security Architecture

    The increased focus on national and alliance defense calls for a high-performance, robust, and scalable infrastructure—including within the country.
  • Climate Change & Disaster Risks

    Extreme weather conditions, wildfires, or floods require resources that are ready for deployment—often within hours.
  • Efficiency & Sustainability

    Shared use lowers costs, reduces land use, and increases utilization—without tying up additional resources.
  • Budget Situation & Staffing Shortages

    Shared infrastructure reduces the workload for administrative and operational staff.

Real-World Examples: How Dual-Use Is Already Being Successfully Implemented

Barracks as Emergency Response Centers

In several federal states, former military barracks are being used as emergency shelters or command centers. For example: A barracks in Lower Saxony serves as a training facility under normal circumstances—and as an evacuation center with emergency power, water reserves, and medical infrastructure in the event of an emergency.

Joint Use of Property by the Fire Department and the German Armed Forces

In North Rhine-Westphalia, a firefighter training center is operated in coordination with a Bundeswehr facility. There is potential for cost savings in infrastructure and training resources.

Transportation Infrastructure with a Defense Option

Bridges, roads, and ports are increasingly being designed with military considerations in mind during new construction—keyword: military mobility within the framework of NATO planning. Example: NATO requirements for bridge load capacities are being integrated into planning documents from the BMVI (now BMDV).

Digital Infrastructures for Civil-Military Crisis Communication

Shared use of communication networks (e.g., BOS digital radio) to improve response capabilities in hybrid threat scenarios.

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