Record Year for German Arms Exports
Germany recorded an all-time high of €12.83 billion in arms exports in 2024, according to official data. The surge was largely driven by deliveries to Ukraine, which became the top importer of German military equipment.
Ukraine alone accounted for €8.1 billion worth of contracts, underscoring Berlin’s strategic role in supporting Kyiv’s defense against Russian aggression.
What Weapons Did Ukraine Receive?
German deliveries to Ukraine in 2024 included:
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78 tanks
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306 armored combat vehicles
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316 missile systems
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11 large-caliber artillery systems
This arsenal significantly bolstered Ukraine’s defense capabilities and positioned Germany as one of Kyiv’s primary military partners.
Other Importers of German Weapons
While Ukraine was by far the largest buyer, other countries also purchased German arms in 2024, including:
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Singapore
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Japan
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Australia
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New Zealand
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Switzerland
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South Korea
The diversity of clients highlights Germany’s growing importance in the global defense market.
Most Valuable Export Categories
Breakdown of German arms exports in 2024:
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Tracked and wheeled vehicles – €4.36 billion
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Bombs, torpedoes, and missiles – €2.88 billion
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Warships – €1.5 billion
These three categories made up the bulk of sales, with land systems clearly dominating.
Israel and Export Restrictions
Interestingly, the final report did not include orders from Israel, which were previously estimated at €161 million.
In August 2024, Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspended new arms deliveries to Israel due to the situation in Gaza. However, previously signed contracts, such as ThyssenKrupp’s €500 million submarine deal, remain unaffected.
Despite political uncertainty, analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) confirms that Germany remains Israel’s second-largest arms supplier, after the United States.
Restrictive but Expanding Policy
Germany maintains a restrictive arms export policy, with each application reviewed individually. In 2024 alone, Berlin rejected 62 export requests, primarily from Pakistan, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Nevertheless, the record-breaking figures illustrate how geopolitical realities — especially the war in Ukraine — are reshaping Germany’s defense industry and export priorities.
