German Government Approves the Export of Weapons Equipment to Saudi Arabia Worth €44.2 Million Over the Past Year

In a recent announcement, the German government has approved the export of weapons equipment to Saudi Arabia worth €44.2 million over the past year. This decision marks an increase in the value of these permits that has not been seen since 2018.

The German government issued a total of 48 permits to Saudi Arabia in 2022, with military weapons accounting for €7.1 million of the export volume. The remaining €37.1 million was allocated to other military equipment, including supplies for tornado and Eurofighter fighters manufactured in Britain.

The German government has also authorized the United States of America to export components of German-made combat ships worth €40.8 million to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This decision has sparked controversy, with critics raising concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and its role in the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The German government has defended its decision, citing strict export controls and the need to maintain economic relations with Saudi Arabia.