Media: German government approves weapons exports to Türkiye

The German government for the first time in many years has approved large-scale weapons exports to Türkiye, with the potential value of the shipments estimated at several hundred million euros.

The Federal Security Council of Germany has approved the supply of German weapons to Türkiye, including 100 surface-to-air missiles and torpedoes for the Turkish Navy, as well as equipment for modernising submarines and frigates, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

The approvals are detailed in a list prepared by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany for the Bundestag (the German parliament). According to the document, the missile manufacturer MBDA is authorized to provide Türkiye with 100 guided missiles for naval air defence.   The list does not specify the financial details of the transactions, but the cost of the so-called short-range Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM) is likely to be around 100 million euros ($109 million).

The Federal Security Council has approved the supply of 28 SeaHake torpedoes from the naval division of the ThyssenKrupp industrial group, valued at 156 million euros ($171 million). The list includes two more arms supply deals. Various consortia of German defence companies have been authorized to provide modernisation packages for Turkish U209 submarines, with a budget of 79 million euros ($86 million). 

Furthermore, the supply of engine components for Turkish corvettes and frigates has been approved, amounting to 1.9 million euros ($2.08 million). The total value of the issued permits is expected to be approximately 336 million euros ($368 million). This figure highlights a significant shift in the German government's stance. 

In recent years, Germany sharply reduced its arms exports to Türkiye. In 2023, only 17 small projects were approved, totaling 1.22 million euros ($1.33 million). This trend continued into 2024.   According to data from the ministry, the government approved arms exports totaling only 23 million euros ($25 million) in the first quarter. The ministry has made it clear that exports to Türkiye will only receive the green light if they involve joint projects with EU or NATO partners.

By Naila Huseynova