As the threat from Russia materialized following the war in Ukraine and anxiety grew that the U.S.-centric security order could weaken, Germany declared a restoration of its military capabilities. It is raising its defense spending to an all-time high while simultaneously embarking on a massive arms procurement. A particularly notable change is the integration of Germany's automotive manufacturing industry, once a core sector, with the defense industry. By exploring plans to convert existing factories into military production bases, Germany is pursuing both the strengthening of its defense capabilities and industrial restructuring simultaneously. The key weapon Germany is promoting is the Leopard 2A8. Reflecting lessons learned from the Ukrainian battlefield, this tank features enhanced active defense systems and digital battlefield awareness capabilities. While it is emerging as the new standard for heavy tanks in Europe, its high price and slow production speed remain pointed out as weaknesses.

In contrast, South Korea's K2 tank is engaging in fierce export competition with German tanks in countries such as Romania, Iraq, and Morocco, following Poland, by leveraging its lighter chassis, automatic loading system, faster delivery times, local production, and technology transfer. Amidst this, the German defense industry is rapidly absorbing European defense demand through the expansion of production facilities, workforce retraining, and the conversion of factories into civilian ones. Germany's rearmament is evolving beyond a simple increase in defense spending into a restructuring of the European security order and a national industrial strategy that combines the defense industry with manufacturing. In [The Main Game 2], we will examine what pressure the resurgent German defense industry will exert on South Korea and what survival strategies the K-defense industry must adopt amidst the formation of European defense blocs.