In 2023, Germany sees an increased export of small arms.
Last year, the exportation of handheld firearms like pistols and light machines saw a significant uptick. Total worth of these consignments reached a whopping 93.6 million euros, a substantial increase from the previous year's 87.1 million euros as per a recent statement from the Federal Ministry of Economics' response to a query by BSW's parliament member, Sevim Dagdelen. Newspaper "Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung" reported on this crucial information.
Categorically, small arms refer to weapons designed to be carried and handled by individuals. Top importers of these weapons in 2023, as revealed by the Federal Ministry of Defense, were Britain, America, Latvia, Lithuania, France, and Ukraine.
When we discuss a different class of weapons, namely 'light weapons,' a comparative analysis reveals a dip in German exports from 288 million euros in the preceding year to a mere 112.1 million euros in 2023. This category includes heavier artillery like mortars, portable launchers, and giant machines guns. The ministry declared the granting of 204.3 million euros' worth of permits for light weapons by April 19. The main destinations of these consignments included Singapore, Ukraine, Israel, and Sweden.
Criticizing this exportation policy stringently, Bundestag member, Sevim Dagdelen, called it irresponsible. She added ominously, "More people die annually due to the use of small arms and light weapons than any other types of weapons globally." Federal Ministry of Defense estimates suggest a global tally of 250,000 casualties caused by these weapons, with millions more in the circulation range of 30 to 50 years.
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Despite the rise in small arms exports from Germany in 2023, resulting in a value of 93.6 million euros, contributing to a significant increase from the previous year, criticisms about the policy's irresponsibility continue. Bundestag member Sevim Dagdelen highlights that more people die annually due to small arms and light weapons use than other types globally.
Source: www.ntv.de
