As of: 01/03/2023 6:32 p.m
Despite the war in Ukraine, German arms exports fell slightly last year. Nevertheless, at 8.36 billion euros, it is the second highest amount in the history of the Federal Republic.
Ukraine was the most important destination for German arms export licenses last year. This is the result of figures published by the Federal Ministry of Economics.
Accordingly, the federal government allowed exports to the country attacked by Russia in the amount of almost 2.25 billion euros, which corresponds to about a quarter of the total volume. The Netherlands came second, followed by the United States and Great Britain.
Second highest amount in the history of Germany
In total, the traffic light government issued licenses for arms exports worth around 8.36 billion euros in 2022. This is the second highest amount in the history of the Federal Republic, after 9.35 billion euros in 2021 – a year in which the grand coalition of Union and SPD largely determined the course.
Of the licenses granted last year, 3.96 billion euros went to war weapons and 4.4 billion euros to other armaments.
Many deliveries to EU and NATO countries
Authorizations for deliveries to EU and NATO countries, as well as Japan, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, which are on an equal footing, accounted for 5.12 billion euros.
If you add Ukraine and Korea, less than ten percent – that’s 825 million euros – of the permits went to other states. “The other third countries will be treated restrictively in accordance with political principles,” said State Secretary Sven Giegold. “It is also in our security interests that armaments do not end up in the hands of countries that systematically violate human rights.”