Photo: militaryleak
In recent years, the German federal government has significantly reduced the volume of arms sales to Turkey. However, according to SPIEGEL, the situation seems to be changing. Recently, the Federal Security Council gave the green light to the export of German arms to Turkey for a total of more than €250 million.
For the first time in many years, the German government has approved large-scale arms deals with its NATO partner, Turkey. According to a report by SPIEGEL, the Federal Security Council, which meets behind closed doors, has authorised the supply of German weapons worth several hundred million euros.
The approved projects include the supply of 100 anti-aircraft missiles and torpedoes for the Turkish Navy, as well as large packages of materials for the modernisation of Turkish submarines and frigates.
According to a list obtained by SPIEGEL, arms manufacturer MBDA has been authorised to supply Turkey with 100 guided missiles for its ship air defence system. Although the exact value of the deal is not specified, the cost of these RAM missiles is likely to be around €100 million. Also approved was the supply of 28 SeaHake torpedoes from Thyssenkrupp’s naval division for a total of €156 million.
In addition, the list includes two more arms supply agreements. German defence companies have been allowed to supply materials for the modernisation of Turkish U209 submarines worth €79 million. Also approved was the supply of engine parts for Turkish corvettes and frigates worth €1.9 million. In total, the approved deals may be worth around EUR 336 million.
Thus, the resumption of arms export agreements with Turkey underscores the changes in the German government’s policy in the context of international military relations, despite previous restrictions.
