Deutsche Aircraft has announced the appointment of Markus Hahner as its new Sales Director for multi-role aircraft, a strategic move aimed at strengthening its position in the defence and security aviation sector. Hahner brings a wealth of experience in international business development, defence procurement, and unmanned aerial systems.
He joins Deutsche Aircraft from Leonardo Germany, where he played a senior role in business development from 2017 onwards. His tenure there was marked by the successful negotiation of several significant defence contracts, including a notable €100 million (US$117 million) multinational project. His ability to navigate the complexities of defence procurement and forge lasting relationships with stakeholders across the German Ministry of Defence and allied international partners has been key to his success.
Before his time at Leonardo, Hahner held leadership and consultancy roles within the German MoD’s internal advisory structure and at Germany’s first drone company serving the German Armed Forces. In these roles, he contributed to advancements in unmanned systems and helped streamline defence processes—demonstrating a keen understanding of both innovation and operational efficiency in the military sphere.
Adding to his credentials, Hahner also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel (Reserve) in the German Air Force, underlining his enduring commitment to national defence, NATO alliances, and strategic leadership. His dual background in industry and active service positions him as a valuable asset to Deutsche Aircraft as the company expands its capabilities in multi-role aviation platforms.
This appointment underscores Deutsche Aircraft’s intention to grow within the defence sector, leveraging expert leadership to align product offerings with emerging security needs across Europe and beyond.
