Diehl Defence has signed an agreement with General Atomics Europe, the current owner of EST Energetics GmbH in Rothenburg/Oberlausitz, to acquire the company. A subsidiary of Diehl Defence will take over the business operations of EST Energetics. The legal transfer will take place on 1 July 2026.

Since its foundation in 1994, EST Energetics has been involved in the recycling of lithium-metal batteries, the disposal of airbags, the recycling of fireworks and the demilitarisation of military equipment, and currently employs around 60 persons. Diehl Defence intends to continue the business operations with the current workforce and to expand its activities in the field of military equipment disposal.

With this acquisition, Diehl Defence is expanding its range of services in the field of explosive ordnance disposal, thereby consolidating its market position as one of the leading partners for explosive ordnance management in Germany.

General Atomics Europe will oversee the transition and support future business operations through close cooperation with Diehl Defence. The acquisition will have no impact on the workforce at EST Energetics. Similarly, the company will continue to offer all its services as before.

The acquisition and integration into the Diehl Defence organisation provides the Rothenburg site with the foundation for the stable continuation of its business activities and offers long-term prospects for boosting the regional economy in the Upper Lusatia region.