In 2025 the German federal government approved more defence exports than at any other time in its history. According to provisional figures released in response to an inquiry by the Left parliamentary group, the total value of authorised exports climbed to just over €13.11 billion, up from €12.83 billion in 2024.
Most of the shipments went to EU member states, NATO allies, or countries with NATO‑equivalent status such as Switzerland. The largest recipient remained Ukraine, which received arms worth €2.27 billion last year. Other major buyers included Norway, Sweden, Turkey and Singapore.
In the Middle East, Germany exported weapons and equipment to Israel (€201 million) and Qatar (€194 million).
Cansu Özdemir, spokesperson for the Left’s foreign policy team, condemned the rising arms trade. She said the government “cannot be described as pursuing a restrictive, human‑rights‑oriented policy – it acts as a licence machine for the weapons industry”. In her view, while conflicts around the world intensify, the arms sector is earning billions backed by political approval.