German arms exports reach a record

This year, the German government has approved arms exports worth around 13.2 billion euros - a volume like never before. The reason, according to the Ministry of Economy, has to do with the war in Ukraine.

From the beginning of the year until December 17, 2024, the German government has approved the export of arms goods worth about 13.2 billion euros. This was announced by the Ministry of Economy based on preliminary figures. Thus, arms exports reach a record value, surpassing the quota of the previous year. In 2023, the value of approved arms exports was 12.2 billion euros. The high volume of arms exports continues to be the reason for the war in Ukraine.

This country attacked by Russia again this year was the main country where exports were sent with a volume of 8.1 billion euros, which constitutes the quota of 62 percent of all approved arms exports. "The figures emphasize that we continue to stand firmly on the side of Ukraine in its defense and against the aggressive Russian war", declared the Ministry of Economy.

The total value of 13.2 billion euros consists of 8.1 billion euros for weapons of war and about 5.1 billion euros for various armament goods.

Exception for arms exports to Ukraine

Armament exports are constantly subject to special government verification. This year, supplies worth 1.2 billion euros were approved for Singapore, almost 559 million for Algeria. The USA (298.5 million euros), Turkey (230.9 million euros) and India (224.0 million euros) follow.

In fact, the government under Social Democratic Chancellor Olaf Scholz had decided to follow a restrictive course regarding the approval of arms exports. But an exception has been made for Ukraine's defense support against Russia. "Military aid to Ukraine is in our security policy interest," declared the state secretary in the Ministry of Economy Bernhard Kluttig. In general, the government sticks to its course "for a restrictive policy on arms exports with a high level of verification standard." /DW/ (A2 Televizion)