German weapons export permits to Ukraine drop to €1.14 billion in 2025

Germany’s arms exports to Ukraine fell sharply in 2025, with export permits totalling €1.14 billion, down from €8.15 billion the previous year, according to the Economy Ministry.

Despite Berlin’s continued portrayal of itself as one of Kyiv’s key supporters, the steep decline reflects a shift away from new weapons sales toward longer-term defence projects.

After reaching record highs over the past two years amid escalating wars and global tensions, Germany’s overall arms export approvals are now decreasing. According to a parliamentary response obtained by Euractiv, the government has approved arms exports worth €8.4 billion so far this year, compared with €12.15 billion in 2024.

The most pronounced decline concerns Ukraine, as first reported by the German news agency dpa. The €1.14 billion figure covers only permits for the export of weapons and military equipment to Kyiv. It does not include Germany’s broader military assistance to Ukraine, which amounts to around €9 billion and includes direct procurement and delivery of equipment, including US-manufactured weapons.

Under German law, all exports of weapons and certain military goods require approval from the Economy Ministry, which is headed by Katherina Reiche of the conservative Christian Democratic Union.

A ministry spokesperson told German media that part of Germany’s current support for Ukraine is based on export licenses issued last year. The spokesperson added that the government is increasingly focusing on longer-term projects, which “will not be reflected immediately” in annual export statistics. Ukraine, the spokesperson noted, is also investing more heavily in developing its own domestic arms production.

Separately, EU leaders approved a €90 billion loan at their latest summit to support Ukraine’s military and financial needs over the next two years.

Elsewhere, Norway has become Germany’s largest destination for arms exports following a change of government in May. Oslo received export approvals worth around €1.31 billion, primarily for tanks and submarines.

Arms export deals with Turkey have also risen significantly, particularly following the long-delayed approval in October of the sale of 20 Eurofighter jets.

Ulrich Thoden, the left-wing lawmaker who requested the export data, criticised what he described as the government’s “strategic” use of arms exports, arguing that “allies are supported regardless of their human rights record.”