The German armed forces have postponed a key digital project. The new SAP software S/4Hana for administration, materials, and logistics was set to launch at the end of October but will now go live in the second quarter of 2026. The delay stems from technical issues and insufficient operational readiness.
The German Bundeswehr faces fresh hurdles in its digitalization efforts. Following issues with the digital radio project, the transition to a new cloud-based SAP platform is now delayed. The S/4Hana system was slated to go live on October 27, but due to "acceptance-preventing problems," the rollout for many IT applications has been pushed to the second quarter of 2026, according to a confidential Defense Ministry document.
The existing SASPF system, in use since 2009, manages all logistics—from armaments procurement and spare parts orders to monitoring the operational readiness of tanks and generators. It also handles personnel matters like sick leave and soldier pay. SAP has limited standard maintenance to the end of 2027; beyond that, extra costs would apply, with a full shutdown threatened by 2030. The upgrade was thus urgently needed.
Testing periods had to be extended, and a September internal report mentions "deficient functionality" and "insufficient operational readiness." In August, the SAP board acknowledged "inadequate software quality" and recommended postponing the launch to spring 2026. "The error-free transfer of data cannot be reliably ensured at this point," states the ministry paper.
The department head for armaments and organization described the delay as "absolutely necessary" and suggested using a vague phrasing for the new timeline, such as "within a year or similar," to maintain flexibility. The postponement is also intended to boost acceptance within the troops, where reservations persist. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the need for "improvements," but noted that the personnel management system has already been upgraded and operations continue unaffected. The manufacturer faces no liability.
This marks the second major digital initiative to falter: The army chief recently called progress on the digital radio system "unsatisfactory" after a test at Munster training ground.