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PoliticsGerman weapons exports hit record €13.87 billion in H1 2026
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Germany's weapons exports reached a new record high of €13.87 billion in the first half of 2026, surpassing the previous full-year record of €13.1 billion set in 2025. Ukraine remained the largest recipient, receiving €2.5 billion in equipment, followed by the US (€1.6 billion), the Netherlands (€1.3 billion), and Czechia and Lithuania (€1.2 billion each). Israel spent €800 million, mainly on a naval deal, after a brief German export ban in 2025 over Gaza operations. About 84% of export licenses went to EU and NATO countries, plus South Korea, Singapore, and Ukraine. Germany was the world's fourth-largest arms exporter from 2021 to 2025, accounting for 5.7% of global trade, behind the US, France, and Russia. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record export levels.
Source report
Germany's weapons exports reached a new record high in the first half of the year, according to figures released Wednesday by the Economy Ministry.
The German government approved €13.87 billion in weapons exports in the first six months of 2026 — surpassing the already record-breaking €13.1 billion tallied for the entirety of 2025.
Ukraine Leads as Top Recipient
Ukraine is once again listed as the largest recipient of German weapons, receiving equipment worth €2.5 billion, up from €2 billion last year.
The top recipients are:
- Ukraine — €2.5 billion
- United States — €1.6 billion
- Netherlands — €1.3 billion
- Czechia — €1.2 billion
- Lithuania — €1.2 billion
- Israel — €800 million (mainly linked to a large naval deal)
Export Policy Context
Berlin briefly halted weapons exports to Israel in 2025 in response to the country extending its military operation in Gaza. The ban was lifted three and a half months later.
Approximately 84% of the total value of export licences granted went to EU and NATO countries, as well as South Korea, Singapore, and Ukraine.
Global Standing
According to SIPRI, Germany was one of the world's largest exporters of weapons between 2021 and 2025, accounting for 5.7% of the global weapons trade. It was surpassed only by the United States, France, and Russia.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Germany's weapons exports have reached record levels.
Source
EuractivWestern
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German Weapons Exports Hit Record €13.87 Billion in First Half of 2026