Germany’s ruling coalition, consisting of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), has approved a significant arms export to Turkey for the first time in years. During a confidential meeting of the Federal Security Council, it was decided to export arms and defense equipment to Turkey with a total value of €336 million.
Air Defense Missiles and Naval Power Modernization
The approved export package includes the shipment of 100 RAM air defense guided missiles to Turkey. Additionally, spare parts and equipment for the modernization of Turkish Naval Forces’ submarines, frigates, and torpedoes were also approved. The €100 million RAM missiles and €158 million SeaHake torpedoes are among the most notable elements of the deal.
First Major Agreement in Years
Germany had not approved large-scale arms exports to Turkey in recent years. In 2023, only a minor project worth €1.22 million was permitted. However, with this new approval, a significant increase in arms exports to Turkey has been recorded.
Extensive Arms Exports to EU Countries
In 2023, Germany heavily exported arms to European Union countries, reaching a total export value of €12.2 billion. In the first nine months of 2024, approvals for arms exports have already amounted to €11 billion.
