Germany’s Softening Stance: Air-Defense Missiles Approved for Export to Saudi Arabia
The German government has given its approval for the export of air-defense missiles to Saudi Arabia, signaling a notable shift in its previous hard line on arms exports to the kingdom. This change in policy was confirmed by government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, following a report by news magazine Der Spiegel. The export approval is specifically for 150 air-to-air missiles, which will be used in the Iris-T air defense system and are expected to be delivered by the end of 2023.
Previously, Germany had imposed a ban on arms exports to Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul in 2018. However, the ban was later relaxed to allow for exceptions in cases where weapons systems were jointly developed with other countries.
The news of the export approval for the Iris-T missiles comes after Germany’s Foreign Minister, Annalena Baerbock, expressed openness to supplying additional Eurofighter jets to Saudi Arabia. The jets are produced by a multinational consortium in which Germany is involved. This represents a departure from the government’s previous stance, as it had opposed such deliveries during the current parliamentary term, scheduled to end in the fall of 2025.
The current governing parties, in their coalition agreement made in late 2021, had vowed not to approve weapons exports to countries directly involved in the war in Yemen. However, Hebestreit stated on Monday that Chancellor Olaf Scholz shares Baerbock’s position and highlighted the need to re-evaluate the impact of the so-called Yemen clause on Saudi Arabia in light of recent developments in the conflict.
The government spokesperson also emphasized Saudi Arabia’s constructive approach towards Israel following the attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7. He pointed out that the Saudi air force had successfully intercepted missiles fired at Israel by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Despite the ongoing conflict in Yemen, a tentative cease-fire between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition has held for several months.
The decision to grant export approval for the air-defense missiles and the potential delivery of Eurofighter jets showcases Germany’s changing position on arms exports to Saudi Arabia. While the country continues to consider the impact of the conflict in Yemen, recent events and the evolving regional dynamics have contributed to a more flexible approach. The German government’s decision reflects its acknowledgment of Saudi Arabia’s role in maintaining stability in the region, particularly in its response to threats against Israel.
The approval of the export of air-defense missiles and the potential delivery of additional Eurofighter jets further underscores Germany’s evolving position and highlights the government’s commitment to adapting its policies based on changing circumstances. As Germany pursues a softer approach to arms exports, the decision is likely to receive international attention and spark debates about the balance between security interests and human rights concerns.
With Germany’s new stance on arms exports to Saudi Arabia, it remains to be seen how this will impact the broader arms control landscape and the ongoing conflicts in the region. The German government’s shift in policy signifies a nuanced evaluation of the country’s strategic interests and reflects its desire to play a more active role in maintaining regional stability.
