Ukraine, Norway, Sweden top destinations for German arms exports
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Artillery shells lined up in an storage room at a Rheinmetall plant in Unterluess, Germany.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Ukraine was the largest recipient of German arms exports in 2025, receiving approximately €2 billion, solidifying Germany's role as a key supporter.
- Norway, a NATO founder, purchased €1.3 billion in German arms, reflecting concerns over Russian threats due to its proximity.
- Sweden, which joined NATO in March 2024 after Russia's invasion, bought around €1 billion worth of German arms in 2025.
AI generated
BERLIN - Ukraine was again the top recipient of German defence exports in 2025, followed by Germany’s Scandinavian NATO allies Norway and Sweden, an official report said on Feb 6.
The economy ministry said Ukraine had received around €2 billion (S$3 billion) of arms exports from Germany, which has been Kyiv’s most important backer in Europe in its war with Russia.
After Ukraine, the biggest buyers of German arms were Norway and Sweden, which are regarded as exposed to any threat from Moscow given their proximity to Russia.
Norway, a founder member of NATO, bought German arms worth €1.3 billion in 2025.
Sweden, which applied to join NATO after Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine and joined the alliance in March 2024 – purchased around €1 billion worth of weapons.
Finland joined NATO in 2023 for the same reasons but was not among the 10 biggest buyers of German arms in 2025. AFP
