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Germany in the arms boom: Record exports in 2024 – More weapons than ever!
Germany reached record levels for arms exports in 2024. Information on geopolitical changes and arms deliveries.
Germany in the arms boom: Record exports in 2024 – More weapons than ever!
The arms industry in Germany is currently experiencing a remarkable upswing. Again Mirror According to reports, arms exports are expected to reach a record level in 2024, the likes of which have never been seen before in German history. This development is being driven by the geopolitical upheavals in Europe and the changing security mindset of many countries. The war in Ukraine has profoundly changed the armament strategy of Germany and other countries.
As a result, Chancellor Olaf Scholz proclaimed a so-called “turning point”. A central point here is the easing of the debt brake for defense spending, which was decided under the black-red federal government under Chancellor Merz. These measures are intended to ensure that Germany relies more heavily on national arms production and at the same time imports military equipment from abroad to meet demand.
Germany as an arms exporter
It's no secret that Germany is one of the largest arms exporters in the world, just behind the USA and France. The main buyers of German military equipment are Ukraine, Poland and the USA. The Statista The institute reports that in 2023 alone, exports of military equipment reached a record value of around 12.2 billion euros, with individual licenses for arms exports to Ukraine totaling around 4.44 billion euros.
The development must also be viewed against the background of global military spending, which reached around $2.7 trillion in 2024, with the USA at the top. Germany occupies fourth place in the military spending rankings. This immense financial strength has particularly benefited the large defense companies in Germany, which benefit enormously from the increasing expenditure.
Growth of defense companies
On the international stage, the 100 largest defense companies show impressive sales, which totaled around $597 billion in 2022. Lockheed Martin tops this ranking, best known for its military and civilian aircraft. In Germany, Airbus has conquered its place as the strongest company in the defense sector, also due to the growing demand for military aircraft and defense equipment.
The global volume of arms trade remains constant, showing that many countries are increasing and modernizing their defense systems. Military aircraft, including fighter jets and helicopters, account for 44% of global defense trade. This highlights the strategic importance of air power in the modern military context.
Germany has recently discovered that it plays an important role in the international defense equipment market, both as a manufacturer and as an exporter. Politicians have responded to strengthen the defense sector, which opens the way for even more intensive cooperation with other countries. Only time will tell how lasting these trends are and what impact they will have on global politics.