Germany approved record weapons exports in 2024
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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius visiting the Innovation Lab of Germany's armed forces in July 2025.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Germany approved a record €12.8 billion in weapon exports in 2024, with €8.15 billion (64%) allocated to Ukraine.
- Actual deliveries reached a record €13.37 billion; 86% of approvals went to EU, NATO members, and partner countries, including Ukraine.
- Germany plans to spend €9 billion supporting Kyiv in 2024 and 2026, reaffirming its commitment to Ukraine's and its own security.
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BERLIN - The German government approved a record €12.8 billion (S$19 billion) of weapons exports in 2024, largely driven by Berlin’s support for Ukraine, according to a report approved by the Cabinet on Aug 27.
A total of €8.15 billion worth of defence products were approved for Ukraine, or 64 per cent of the total, according to the report.
The value of goods actually delivered in 2024 also reached a record high at €13.37 billion.
Altogether, around 86 per cent of the approvals were granted to EU and Nato members and partner countries of the alliance including Ukraine, Singapore and South Korea.
Tracked and wheeled military vehicles topped the list of products, but orders were also approved for bombs, torpedoes, missile systems and warships.
The government rejected 62 applications from countries including Pakistan, Thailand and Malaysia.
Vice-Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said this week that Germany, Ukraine’s biggest military backer after the United States, planned to spend €9 billion supporting Kyiv this year and in 2026.
“As long as this war continues, we will stand by Ukraine’s side, because it is also about our freedom and our security,” he said during a visit to Kyiv.
Ukraine had also topped the list of recipients in 2023, when Germany approved a total €12.1 billion of weapons exports. AFP
