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In 2023, Germany exported weapons worth a record 11.71 billion euros, surpassing the previous record of 9.35 billion euros in 2021. Compared to 2022, there is a 40% increase in export volumes, as reported by tagesschau.
The breakdown of the 2023 export figures reveals that 6.15 billion euros account for the sales of weapons and ammunition, while 5.57 billion euros represent military equipment. A significant portion of this year’s arms exports, specifically 4.15 billion euros, is destined for Ukraine. In 2022, Germany exported weapons worth 2.24 billion euros to Ukraine, indicating almost a twofold increase in the current year.
Overall, nearly 90% of German arms exports go to EU and NATO countries, as well as Ukraine, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. The major importers of German weapons after Ukraine include Norway (1.2 billion euros), Hungary (1.03 billion euros), the United Kingdom (654.9 million euros), the United States (545.4 million euros), and Poland (327.9 million euros).
Additionally, Germany has approved the export of domestically produced weapons and military equipment totalling 1.76 billion euros to countries such as Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
It’s worth noting that on December 22, the German government updated its list of military aid to Ukraine, announcing the transfer of three self-propelled anti-aircraft units Gepard along with spare parts, in addition to the 49 units already provided.
The Gaze publication also reported that Germany plans to confiscate, for the first time, 720 million euros from frozen Russian assets. Federal Prosecutor of Germany, Peter Frank, filed the relevant petition with the Higher Regional Court in Frankfurt.
If the court approves the confiscation, the Russian funds will be transferred to the German federal budget. This arrest, if executed, would mark a new step in the application of international sanctions against Russia. Previously, Germany had only frozen funds and assets of sanctioned individuals and companies, preventing them from disposing of their money and property while retaining ownership.
