Armaments: Germany approves arms exports to Turkey!

Armaments: Germany approves arms exports to Turkey!

Istanbul, Türkei - The increasing arms exports from Germany to Turkey are currently causing a stir. After years of reluctance, the Federal Government increasingly granted permits to export armaments in 2023. By October 13, 69 permits with a total value of 103 million euros were recorded, which is a striking increase. This is the first increase in the three -digit million range since 2011, which indicates a significant growing business relationship.

The permits also include weapons of war that are provided with a price of 840,000 euros. Particularly noteworthy is the approval that allows the company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to export 28 Seahake torpedoes and 101 steering flight bodies. This sells a number of armaments that are important for military operations to Turkey.

The role of political leadership

Chancellor Olaf Scholz will meet in the afternoon with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul. Her conversations are expected to include the subject area of ​​arms exports, since Erdogan had already expressed interest in increased military cooperation during his last visit to Berlin. He explained that a "determined" step of Germany was necessary to enable arms goods.

Another point on the agenda is the potential purchase of 40 Eurofighter fight jets in which Germany is involved. These purchases require the Federal Government's consent, which has so far been pending. At a recent EU summit, Scholz expressed willingness if Great Britain is negotiating with Turkey on this matter.

A flashback to the prehistory shows that Germany pursued a much more relaxed export policy until the failed military coup in Turkey in 2016. At that time, arms exports were massively granted, including the delivery of submarine components. After the coup and the invasion of Syria, however, the export permit was significantly restricted, so that only 11.1 million euros were approved in 2021, in 2022 it was only 4.5 million euros. This represents a dramatic turn with the current development.

The BSW MP Sevim Dagdelen commented concerns about the recovery of the arms export permits. It sees this a "moral and political bankruptcy declaration" of the traffic light government. The concern refers to the geopolitical implications and the responsibility associated with the export of military equipment in conflict regions.

The ongoing events raise questions regarding the future armaments strategy of the federal government and requires a watchful view of the developments and reactions at home and abroad. Further information on this topic can be found here .