Germany's arms exports surge under Scholz, far exceed Merkel era
3 Min Read
In 2024 alone, Germany authorized €13.33 billion in military exports, with €8.15 billion allocated specifically for Ukraine.
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German soldiers load tank howitzers for transport to Lithuania at the Bundeswehr army base in Munster, northern Germany, Monday, Feb. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)
According to a report from the German Economy Ministry, Germany has significantly increased its arms exports under Chancellor Olaf Scholz, outpacing the levels seen during Angela Merkel's tenure.
The data, disclosed in response to an inquiry by the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) and published by Deutschlandfunk radio, indicates that between October 2021 and December 2024, Germany approved arms exports worth over €39 billion ($40 billion). This marks a sharp increase from the €23.6 billion recorded during Merkel's last term.
Shipments to countries outside the European Union have seen a notable rise in military exports. These exports surged from €10.8 billion to €25.5 billion, with Ukraine receiving the bulk of the supplies. In 2024 alone, Germany authorized €13.33 billion in military exports, with €8.15 billion allocated specifically for Ukraine. This further solidifies Germany's position as Ukraine's second-largest arms supplier, following the United States.
In addition to Ukraine, Germany has also supplied arms to "Israel", though exports have faced increased scrutiny. In 2023, Germany approved €326.5 million in military exports to "Israel", a significant rise compared to previous years. However, by mid-2024, arms approvals to "Israel" had dropped sharply to just €14.5 million. Since March 2024, Berlin has not allegedly authorized any new war weapon shipments to "Israel", a move attributed to growing concerns over violations of international humanitarian law.
Despite this, Chancellor Scholz has reassured that arms supplies to Israel will continue, stating, "We have supplied weapons and ... we have made decisions within the government that will ensure further deliveries in the near future," as quoted by Politico.
A government spokesperson confirmed to reporters on Friday that Berlin has supplied Ukraine with nearly €44 billion in assistance since the outbreak of the conflict in early 2022. Chancellor Scholz has reiterated his government's commitment to maintaining military aid to Ukraine, despite facing domestic budget constraints. "We won't let up in our support," Scholz stated, signaling Germany's continued backing of Kiev.
While Germany and other Western nations continue ramping up support for Ukraine, Russia has condemned these military shipments. Moscow has warned that "any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russian strikes," escalating fears over the security of supply routes.
Meanwhile, Germany’s arms export policy continues to face legal and political challenges. Human rights organizations have filed lawsuits aiming to halt further military sales to "Israel", arguing that they could be used in ways that violate international law. The European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR) has taken legal action against the German government, calling for an end to arms shipments intended for use in Gaza.
Read more: Global military spending reaches record $2,240 billion: SIPRI
