A Comparative Analysis of Defense Acquisition Systems: Bridging the Gap Between the U.S. and Germany

Abstract

"This comparative analysis examines the U.S. and German military acquisition systems amidst evolving globalsecurity challenges. Traditional, lengthy acquisition processes are critiqued for inadequately addressing the swift nature of contemporary military threats. This study identifies strengths and weaknesses in both frameworks, proposing enhancements to improve agility and efficiency. Both systems demonstrate robustness but also require reform to meet current demands. The U.S. benefits from a pathway allowing rapid procurement, contrasting with Germany’s conventional approach, which lacks expedited processes. Recommendations for Germany include modernizing its system to introduce agile procurement pathways, revising existing ones for greater responsiveness, and streamlining oversight to facilitate quicker decision-making. For the U.S., suggestions focus on reducing excessive oversight to increase flexibility, integrating planning and budgeting forefficiency, and promoting user involvement in procurement to meet operational needs. This study highlights critical areas for improvement in both nations’ military acquisition systems and offers targeted recommendations to enhance their responsiveness and efficiency. Adopting these suggestions would better equip both countries to navigate the complexities of the modern security environment, ensuring their military capabilities are effectively aligned with strategic needs."