War as a business: the bunker market is growing in Germany Amid tensions caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the number of people investing in the construction of private bunkers to protect their families in the event of conflict, attacks or large-scale emergencies is growing in Germany. One example is Christian, a resident of Bavaria, who decided to include an underground shelter in the design of his family's new residence. A former military man, he says that the idea gained strength after following the news about the war in Ukraine and remembering the fears that marked the Cold War. With the help of friends and his 13-year-old son, Christian invested around 45 thousand euros — approximately R$270 thousand — in building the bunker. The space was designed to allow the family to remain there for an extended period in the event of an emergency. The shelter has beds, a kitchen, a bathroom, a dining table and supplies. In addition, Christian maintains equipment designed for extreme situations, such as gas masks, a radiation meter and a bulletproof vest. According to him, the initiative initially generated distrust within the house. "At first, my wife thought I was crazy, but over time, following the news, she changed her opinion," he says. Bunker fever: bomb shelters become a booming business in Germany Reproduction/TV Globo Expanding market Christian's story is not an isolated case. Companies specializing in the manufacture of bunkers have recorded a significant increase in demand since the start of the war in Ukraine. According to the director of one of the main manufacturers in the sector, before the conflict the company sold between 50 and 70 bunkers per year. Currently, the number reaches around 200 units annually. The available models range from family structures similar to the one built by Christian to more sophisticated versions. One of the most sought after products is the so-called "Safe Office", an office bunker installed underground that allows owners to continue working even in extreme scenarios. Equipped to resist explosions and even radiation, the model can cost around R$800,000. Manufacturers reject the idea that they are profiting from the public's fear. For them, purchasing a bunker follows the same logic as other security investments. "A lot of people ask me if I sell security or fear. I have no problem with that question. We provide home insurance, health insurance. Someone needs to sell bunkers in this country", says a businessman in the sector. Bunker fever: bomb shelters become a booming business in Germany Bunker fever: bomb shelters become a booming business in Germany Reproduction/TV Globo Concern also reaches the government The increase in demand for private shelters comes at a time when Germany itself is discussing how to strengthen its civil protection capacity. Currently, the country has 579 public shelters with capacity for around 480,000 people — less than 1% of the population. None of them are operational. Faced with a scenario of growing insecurity in Europe, the German government is considering reactivating part of this infrastructure, modernizing emergency systems and expanding investments in defense. The goal is to recruit 80,000 new soldiers by 2035. Bunker fever: bomb shelters become a booming business in Germany Reproduction/TV Globo GloboPop: click to see videos from the Fantástico stage Listen to Fantástico podcasts THIS IS FANTASTIC The Isso É Fantástico podcast is available on g1 and the main podcast apps, bringing great reports, investigations and fascinating podcast stories with the Fantástico journalism seal: depth, context and information. Follow, like or subscribe to Isso É Fantástico on your favorite podcast player. Every Sunday there's a new episode.