13.3 billion euros: arms exports rise to record level

Last year, the German government approved exports of weapons of war and military equipment worth 13.33 billion euros - more than ever before. At 8.15 billion euros, well over half of this went to Ukraine for the defensive fight against the Russian invaders.

The figures are based on an answer from the Ministry of Economics to a question from BSW member of parliament Sevim Dagdelen, which is available to the German Press Agency. The ministry had already published preliminary export figures for 2024 on 18 December, and the statistics for the entire year are now available.

Record figure for 2023 exceeded by almost ten percent

In their coalition negotiations, the SPD, Greens and FDP had actually resolved to curb arms exports and introduce a control law to this end. Then the Russian invasion of Ukraine led to a U-turn in arms policy. Germany became Ukraine's second-largest arms supplier.

By 2023, export licenses for military equipment had already reached a high of 12.13 billion euros, which was exceeded by almost ten percent last year. The share of war weapons was 61 percent. The second most important recipient country after Ukraine was Singapore with 1.21 billion euros. It was followed by Algeria (558.7 million euros), the USA (319.9 million euros) and Turkey (230.8 million euros).

Deliveries to Turkey at highest level since 2006

Arms deliveries to NATO partner Turkey are particularly controversial due to the human rights situation there, but also because of the international actions of the government in Ankara. Following the invasion of Turkish troops in Syria in 2016, export licenses were significantly reduced. Now, at just under 231 million euros, they are back at their highest level since 2006. The change of course was already apparent at the end of September, when the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Green politician Robert Habeck announced that large quantities of torpedoes, guided missiles and components for submarines had once again been approved for Turkey.

Even more controversial: arms exports to Israel

Israel was also among the ten most important recipient countries for the German arms industry in 2024. However, at 161.1 million euros, the export volume halved compared to the previous year. Due to the war in Gaza, where a ceasefire is now in place, arms deliveries to Israel are even more controversial than those to Turkey. The German government justifies this by stating that Israel's security is part of Germany's reason of state due to its historical responsibility for the Holocaust.

BSW politician Dagdelen speaks of "historical scandal"

BSW politician Dagdelen sharply criticized the increase in total arms deliveries. "With their record arms exports, the SPD and Greens are fueling wars worldwide," she explained. "The German government is trying to deceive the public about this historic scandal with the excuse that it is only about Ukraine."