Germany has overtaken France and the UK to become Europe’s leading arms exporter, after military sales surged to historic highs in 2024. The shift marks a profound change in Berlin’s defence posture and cements its role at the heart of Europe’s security strategy.
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A Record Year for German Arms Exports
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs (BMWK) confirmed in August 2025 that German military exports reached €13.2 billion in 2024, the highest figure ever recorded. Of this, €8.1 billion was sent to Ukraine, making Kyiv the single largest recipient.
According to the BMWK’s annual report, 64% of all German arms exports were destined for Ukraine, reflecting a dramatic policy shift. Germany, once criticized for its reluctance to provide weapons abroad, has made supporting Kyiv the cornerstone of its European security strategy.
Deliveries even exceeded the official authorizations, with €13.37 billion worth of equipment actually transferred. Analysts say this illustrates both the speed and intensity of Germany’s commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
For Berlin, the scale of support is more than symbolic. It is the first time since the Second World War that Germany has acted as a major supplier of arms to a country engaged in full-scale war.
NATO and the Zeitenwende Effect
The surge in exports builds on the Zeitenwende — or “turning point” — announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in February 2022, days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. His government pledged a €100 billion fund to modernise the Bundeswehr and raised defence spending above 2% of GDP, aligning Germany with NATO’s long-standing target.
This transformation has reshaped Germany’s position inside the Alliance. By boosting output, Berlin helps to offset industrial gaps among other allies, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, where defence industries lack the scale to keep pace with demand.
The change also establishes Germany as the industrial and logistical backbone of NATO, shedding its reputation as the Alliance’s “weak link.” Today, Berlin not only supplies Ukraine but also strengthens its political influence in Brussels and Washington.
Germany’s emergence as Europe’s primary arms exporter signals a decisive shift in the continent’s strategic balance — with Berlin now firmly at its centre.
