German Arms Exports to Ukraine Significantly Decline in 2025
New data from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action reveals a marked decrease in Germany's authorized arms exports to Ukraine throughout 2025. According to preliminary figures, German authorities approved military shipments to Ukraine totaling approximately two billion euros for the year.
While Ukraine remained the primary recipient of German weapons exports, the overall volume represented a sharp reduction compared to the previous year. In 2024, export authorizations for Ukraine reached nearly 8.2 billion euros, making the 2025 figure a 75 percent decline.
The broader landscape of German arms exports mirrored this downward trend. In 2025, total export approvals for military equipment stood at around twelve billion euros, falling short of the 2024 record of 12.8 billion euros. That previous peak had surpassed the prior record from 2021 by about 3.5 billion euros, reflecting unprecedented levels during the height of support for Ukraine following the escalation of conflict in Eastern Europe.
The composition of the 2025 exports indicates that slightly less than half involved war weapons, such as tanks, artillery, and military vehicles. The remainder consisted of other defense-related goods, including communications technology, surveillance equipment, and logistical support items.
Analysis of recipient countries shows that around 90 percent of German arms export licenses in 2025 were granted for shipments to either European Union or NATO member states, as well as to close partner nations. Ukraine, while not a NATO or EU member, is considered a key partner in the current geopolitical context. Despite its status as a third country, Ukraine still led all nations in the volume of German arms received, underscoring the ongoing security partnership between Berlin and Kyiv.
Norway and Sweden followed Ukraine as leading destinations for German military exports. Norway accounted for nearly 1.4 billion euros in authorized arms imports from Germany, while Sweden received licenses for military goods worth approximately one billion euros. These figures highlight the focus on supporting allied nations and trusted partners amid ongoing security concerns in Europe.
The reduction in export approvals to Ukraine and in total arms exports comes amid broader debates within Germany and across Europe about the future of military support, arms trade regulations, and the balance between national security interests and international obligations. German officials continue to emphasize strict adherence to export controls and the prioritization of reliable partners when issuing licenses for military equipment shipments.
As the situation in Ukraine and the wider region evolves, the German government is expected to review its strategy on military exports, weighing both security imperatives and diplomatic considerations. The current data indicates a recalibration of Germany's defense export policy following the historic surge of 2024, with a renewed emphasis on regulatory oversight and responsible arms transfer practices.