Jena, October 02, 2026 – The 1st Thuringian Aerospace Day took place at the Jena conference center ‘Ad hoc-Arena’, signaling a clear spirit of optimism for the high-tech location. Around 300 industry representatives and politicians discussed the growing importance of the sector, which now accounts for approximately 11,000 jobs in the Free State.
- Topic: 1st Thuringian Aerospace Day (+Defense)
- Location: Conference center ‘Ad hoc-Arena’, Jena
- Key Figures: Over 100 companies and institutions, approximately 11,000 employees in Thuringia
- Core Technology: Navigation technology for star sensors from Jena for international lunar missions
Thuringia’s Minister-President Mario Voigt expressed his enthusiasm during the event for the role local companies play in the global aerospace sector. He pointed, among other things, to Jena Optronic GmbH, whose navigation technology for star sensors contributes significantly to the safe navigation and course maintenance of US spacecraft on their way to the Moon. ‘We are capable of things that others in the world cannot do,’ Voigt emphasized to the experts present.
Approximately 11,000 employees and strong value creation
Thuringian Minister of Economic Affairs Colette Boos-John underscored the importance of the local industry as a reliable partner. Currently, over 100 companies and institutions in the Free State are involved in the development and production of products with a direct connection to aerospace. The sector is characterized by a high depth of value creation and strong specialization. In addition to aerospace, key anchor companies in the aviation industry, such as the engine specialist N3 in Arnstadt, play a central role in the economic development of the region.
Nevertheless, the industry is also facing challenges. Representatives from Rolls-Royce Power Systems and N3 Engine Overhaul Services pointed to global supply chain issues regarding rare earths, rising energy costs, and the shortage of skilled workers. According to company statements, collective bargaining demands also require a constant increase in productivity and performance within the operations.
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Jena: Illustrated book on the city and industrial background
Learn more about the historical development of Jena as a global center for optics and high technology.
Background: Jena as a center for optics and photonics
Jena looks back on a decades-long tradition in the fields of precision engineering, optics, and photonics. Through the close networking between the Friedrich-Schiller-University, non-university research institutions such as the Abbe Center of Photonics, and internationally active companies, the city has developed into a globally recognized innovation hub that regularly delivers top performance for global high-tech and aerospace projects.
The State Development Corporation of Thuringia (LEG), which organized the meeting together with partners, intends to network the stakeholders even more strongly in the future. The goal is to make the location’s competencies visible, involve new market players, and specifically bring Thuringian companies together with international clients.
Source:
Jena technology on the way to the Moon: Thuringia wants to strengthen the aerospace industry
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.