Weapons deliveries: 13.3 billion euros: arms exports rise to record levels

Weapons deliveries to Ukraine led to a new record level for German arms exports in 2024. Last year, the federal government approved exports of war weapons and military equipment worth 13.33 billion euros – more than ever before. Well over half of this went to Ukraine, 8.15 billion euros, for the defense against the Russian invaders.

The figures come from a response from the Ministry of Economic Affairs to a request from BSW Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen, which was submitted to the German Press Agency. The ministry had already published preliminary export figures for 2024 on December 18th, and the statistics for the entire year are now available.

Record value from 2023 exceeded by almost ten percent

In their coalition negotiations, the SPD, Greens and FDP had actually planned to curb arms exports and to introduce a control law for this purpose. Then came the U-turn in arms policy with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Germany became Ukraine’s second largest arms supplier.

As early as 2023, export permits for military equipment reached a high of 12.13 billion euros, which was exceeded again by almost ten percent last year. The proportion of war weapons was 61 percent. The second most important recipient country after Ukraine was Singapore with 1.21 billion euros. This is followed by Algeria (558.7 million euros), the USA (319.9 million euros) and Turkey (230.8 million euros).

Deliveries to Turkey at their highest level since 2006

Arms deliveries to NATO partner Türkiye are particularly controversial because of the human rights situation there, but also because of the international actions of the government in Ankara. After Turkish troops invaded Syria in 2016, export permits were significantly reduced. Now, with almost 231 million euros, they are back at their highest level since 2006. The change in course was already apparent at the end of September, when the Ministry of Economics of the Green politician Robert Habeck announced that torpedoes, guided missiles and components for submarines would again be available on a larger scale scope for Turkey had been approved.

Even more controversial: arms exports to Israel

Israel was also among the ten most important recipient countries for the German defense industry in 2024. At 161.1 million euros, the export volume was halved compared to the previous year. Because of the Gaza war, in which a ceasefire is now in effect, arms deliveries to Israel are even more controversial than those to Turkey. The federal government justifies this by saying that Israel’s security is a reason of state for Germany because of its historical responsibility for the Holocaust.

BSW politician Dagdelen speaks of a “historic scandal”

BSW politician Dagdelen sharply criticized the increase in total arms deliveries. “With their arms exports at a new record level, the SPD and the Greens are fueling wars worldwide,” she explained. “With the excuse that it’s all about Ukraine, the federal government is trying to deceive the public about this historic scandal.”