SAP Opens Defense Innovation Hub in Munich Ahead of Security Conference

SAP has opened a Defense Innovation Hub in Munich to support digital capabilities for security and defense organizations. According to SAP, the facility is designed to showcase how enterprise technologies, including data platforms and artificial intelligence (AI), can support operational coordination across defense environments.

The hub will highlight use cases spanning logistics, procurement, workforce management, manufacturing, training, and equipment maintenance.

The move reflects rising interest among public-sector and defense organizations in modernizing legacy systems while improving interoperability across partners and supply networks.

Thomas Saueressig, Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE for Customer Services & Delivery, said, “In an increasingly volatile security environment, armed forces need systems they can rely on – systems that are resilient, interoperable, and sovereign. With our Defense Innovation Hub, we are demonstrating how digital platforms can strengthen operational readiness without compromising control, compliance, or freedom of action.” He added that defense organizations are prioritizing resilient and sovereign digital infrastructures as geopolitical risks evolve.

Munich Selected for Defense and Research Ecosystem

The announcement of the Defense Innovation Hub aligns with the timing of the annual Munich Security Conference (MSC), where government and industry leaders are gathering to discuss global security priorities.

The MSC, held in Munich since 1963, is widely considered one of the world’s leading platforms for geopolitical dialogue. Hosted each February, the event convenes senior policymakers, military officials, industry executives, and academic leaders from dozens of countries to debate emerging security risks, defense strategies, and the growing role of technology in global resilience.

SAP cited Munich’s concentration of technology providers, research institutions, and public-sector organizations as a factor in selecting the location for its Defense Innovation Hub.

The Technical University of Munich and local government agencies are expected to support cross-sector collaboration efforts. The hub will provide demonstrations of technology scenarios intended to help agencies evaluate digital approaches to coordinating personnel, assets, and supply chains within secure environments.

Chiara Manfletti, Professor at the Technical University of Munich and scientific director of the TUM Security and Defense Alliance, said, “Given the increasing pace of technological innovation, strategic partnerships like this one ensure that scientific breakthroughs can be rapidly translated into concrete applications to sustainably strengthen operational readiness.”

SAP said it plans to engage with policymakers and ecosystem partners during the security conference week as governments place greater emphasis on technological resilience and cross-border cooperation.

SAP Expands Defense Footprint Through Enterprise and Cloud Programs

SAP technologies are already being deployed across defense environments to support modernization of enterprise and logistics operations tied to mission readiness. SAP National Security Services (SAP NS2) has highlighted the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency’s effort to modernize warehouse management across 86 global locations, a program the company said included the first SAP S/4HANA migration within the U.S. Department of Defense and introduced standardized processes and analytics to improve operational visibility.

SAP NS2, SAP’s U.S. subsidiary focused on security-sensitive government and defense customers, delivers cloud services using U.S.-based personnel and isolated data environments designed to meet federal compliance requirements. The company received a $1 billion Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with the U.S. Army aligned with the SAP Cloud ERP Private (formerly RISE with SAP) offering, which it said is intended to help transition legacy on-premises systems to a FedRAMP-authorized cloud platform supporting ERP, supply chain, and analytics capabilities.

What This Means for SAPinsiders

Public-sector modernization is accelerating: The launch signals growing demand for enterprise platforms that can support complex, mission-critical operations — creating opportunities for SAPinsiders working in government, defense, and regulated industries.

Interoperability and data integration are becoming strategic priorities: Organizations are increasingly focused on connecting supply chains, workforce data, and operational systems, reinforcing the importance of clean data architectures and integrated landscapes.

Technology sovereignty is moving up the agenda: As governments emphasize resilient and secure digital infrastructure, SAPinsiders should expect stronger focus on compliance, control, and cloud deployment models that balance innovation with national and organizational requirements.