German arms exports drop in 2025 as Ukraine military aid declines

Germany's total arms and military equipment exports have declined in 2025, primarily driven by a substantial drop in military aid deliveries to Ukraine. According to preliminary government data reported by the German Press Agency (DPA), authorized export value stood at approximately 8.4 billion euros ($9.8 billion) as of early December, marking a notable decrease from the record highs of the previous two years.

A Sharp Decline from Recent Record Years

The figures for 2025 represent a significant downturn. In 2023, German arms exports reached a record 12.25 billion euros ($14.3 billion), followed by an even higher 13.35 billion euros ($15.6 billion) in 2024. The surge during those years was overwhelmingly fueled by the government's approval of extensive military support packages for Ukraine following the Russian invasion. This year, however, direct arms exports approved for Kyiv totaled only about $1.3 billion, a dramatic fall from the $9.5 billion approved in 2024.

Norway Becomes Top Recipient as Exports Diversify

With the reduction in aid to Ukraine, Norway has become the largest single recipient of German defense exports in 2025, with approved sales worth $1.5 billion. This shift indicates a rebalancing of Germany's defense trade toward traditional NATO allies and commercial partners. The data was released by the German Economy Ministry in response to a parliamentary inquiry from the Left Party (die Linke).

Political Context and Coalition Government's Stance

The export approvals were granted under Germany's current coalition government, formed in May 2025 between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The coalition authorized a total of $6.3 billion worth of arms and military equipment sales in 2025. The decline aligns with a broader political debate in Germany about the sustainability and scope of its military support for Ukraine, as well as its role as a major global arms exporter, a status often scrutinized by neighboring nations and partners including Türkiye.