Germany Eases Arms Export Rules to Gulf States and Ukraine

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Berlin: Germany has introduced temporary measures to simplify the export of certain air and naval defence equipment to Gulf states and Ukraine, aiming to accelerate urgent deliveries amid rising regional tensions.

The move comes in response to increased security concerns following what officials described as indiscriminate attacks by Iran on Gulf countries.

Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said the new policy would allow faster deployment of critical defence systems. “We are adapting our arms export control procedures to meet urgent requirements,” she said.

The temporary general export licence, valid for six months, applies to shipments destined for Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, in addition to Ukraine.

Under the new regulation, exporters will no longer need to obtain individual approvals from Germany’s export control authority, BAFA, before shipping specified defence equipment. Instead, companies must register under the scheme and submit monthly reports detailing their exports.

The licence covers a range of military goods related to air and naval defence, including equipment for countering aerial threats and the disposal of sea mines.

German officials said the changes are designed to ensure faster delivery of critical defence supplies as security risks escalate across the Gulf region and Eastern Europe.