Two years ago, Germany sold weapons for 3.97 billion euros. Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel (SPD) announced after taking office in 2013, a more restrictive policy of granting licenses for the arms trade. Data for 2015 shows that the number of permits for reinforcement transactions rose last year by 593 to 12 687.
A record level of exports arms is partly due to the implementation of the old contracts. In 2015, we completed an order for four aircraft tankers for the British army. The contract was worth 1.1 billion euros, and the planes were ordered back in 2008. This transaction serves to strengthen European armaments policy, and “the legitimate security interests of Germany” – justifies the ministry.
Another major transaction is the sale of tanks and armored howitzers to Qatar for $ 1.6 billion. Exports to Qatar is controversial because of allegations against the country’s government of supporting the Islamic State. As he writes, “WAMS” Gabriel tried to block granted in 2013 by the previous government permission, but had to bow to pressure from other members of the government supporting this project. The dispute also concerns the export of military equipment to Saudi Arabia.
The report shows that 59 per cent. arms exports goes to countries which are not members of the EU or NATO.
Gabriel recognized for its success limiting the number of licenses for the sale of small arms. The value of permits fell from 47 million to 32 million. (PAP)
Angela Merkel’s government will consider a report on arms exports for 2015 at its next meeting on Wednesday.
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