Arms Exports Decline in Germany
After two years of record highs in German arms exports, this year indicates a clear downturn in the volume of permits granted for the export of military equipment.
According to a response from the German Ministry of Economics to a request from Ulrich Todten, a parliament member from the Left Party, the government approved arms and military equipment exports worth €8.40 billion between January 1 and December 8 of this year, compared to €13.33 billion in 2024 and €12.15 billion in 2023.
A letter from Deputy Minister Thomas Steffen, which was reviewed by the German news agency dpa, indicated a significant drop in arms exports to Ukraine, amounting to €1.14 billion, down from €8.15 billion last year.
A spokesperson from the ministry stated that ongoing support for Ukraine is partially based on previously issued permits, adding, “Furthermore, funding for Ukraine is directed toward long-term projects, not all of which result in immediate export licenses, but rather licenses that are issued later.”
The spokesperson also noted that some forms of military support do not require export permits, as was the case last year, highlighting that Ukraine is increasingly investing in local arms production.
Since the transition of power in Germany from a center-left government to a center-right one, there is no longer a precise list of arms shipments to Ukraine. The new government justifies this change by its desire to keep Russia uncertain about military support to Kyiv.
