Germany's arms export hits record £11bn with ukraine lead
Germany recorded a record arms export in 2024, reaching a value of £11 billion. The main recipient was Ukraine, which was involved in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
According to the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs, this data covers 1 January to 17 December. As the "Stern" magazine service reminds us, the value of this year's arms exports exceeded the record from 2023, when licences were issued for arms exports worth £10 billion.
Ukraine as the main recipient
The high level of arms exports is associated with the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ukraine, the main recipient of German military equipment, received licences to import arms worth £6.7 billion, which accounts for 62 per cent of German exports this year.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs explained that the German government financed most of this amount. In comparison, in 2023, licences for arms exports to Ukraine amounted to £3.6 billion.
