Arms deliveries - Significant increase in German arms exports
After setting a record in weapons exports in the previous year, export authorizations in the first half of 2024 have significantly increased again due to further rising weapons deliveries to Ukraine. From January 1 to June 18, the German government authorized the export of military goods worth at least 7.48 billion Euro abroad. This represents an increase of approximately 30% compared to the entire first half of 2023. Nearly two-thirds of the exports (65% or 4.88 billion Euro) are intended for Ukraine, which Germany is supporting in its defense against Russia.
Among the top five recipient countries, Saudi Arabia is back on the list with export authorizations worth 132.48 million Euro. For the kingdom, which is ruled harshly, Germany had imposed a comprehensive weapons export stop due to its involvement in the Yemen war and the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, which had lasted for several years. In addition to the top 5 recipient countries are Singapore (1.21 billion Euro), India (153.75 million Euro), and Qatar (100.0 million Euro).
BSW politician Sevim Dagdelen criticized the continuing expansion of weapons exports: "The massive increase in weapons exports to war and crisis areas, not only to Ukraine, but also to countries like Saudi Arabia, is irresponsible and another breach of election promises by the traffic light parties," she said.
- Despite Germany's significant increase in arms exports to Ukraine, controversially continuing to be one of the top recipients, criticisms arise from the political sphere.
- Sevim Dagdelen, a prominent political figure from BSW, has voiced concerns over the escalating arms exports, particularly to conflict zones like Ukraine and Saudi Arabia.
- The Federal Government's decision to resume arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia, despite its past involvement in the Yemen war and the Jamal Khashoggi incident, has been met with criticism from Dagdelen.
- The defense industry's booming arms exports, with Ukraine being the major recipient, has seen record-breaking figures in 2024, causing unease among critics like Dagdelen, who believe in upholding election promises.
- In the midst of heightened arms exports to Ukraine and resumed deliveries to Saudi Arabia, the defense industry continues to flourish, causing debates over ethical commitments and global conflicts.
