Germany's government has approved significant arms exports to Turkey, totaling approximately €336 million, marking a notable shift in policy after years of restrictions. This decision was made during a recent meeting of the Federal Security Council, which is closed to the public, according to a report by the German news portal Spiegel.
The approved exports include 100 air defense missiles valued at around €100 million, as well as torpedoes for the Turkish Navy and substantial material packages for the modernization of Turkish submarines and frigates. Additionally, 28 SeaHake torpedoes are set to be delivered to Ankara for €156 million.
This change in policy indicates a radical shift for the coalition government led by the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democratic Party (FDP), which has been in power since 2021. Previously, Germany had significantly restricted arms exports to Turkey due to concerns over Turkey's actions under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, particularly regarding its treatment of Kurdish populations.
In 2023, Germany had only approved 17 arms export applications to Turkey, worth a mere €1.22 million. Reports suggest that this trend of limited exports continued into early 2024, with only €23 million worth of arms approved in the first quarter. The German government had emphasized that arms exports would only be approved for joint projects with EU or NATO partners.
This recent approval could have important implications for NATO relations and regional security dynamics, as it signals a potential strengthening of military ties between Germany and Turkey amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.