Germany Declares No Near Future Delivery of Eurofighter Jets to Saudi Arabia
In a recent statement, German Chancellor Scholz announced that Germany will not be delivering Eurofighter combat aircraft to Saudi Arabia in the near future. This comes after a government document, quoted by Germany’s SZ newspaper, connected any potential delivery to the end of the war in Yemen.
Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has been leading a coalition in the fight against the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of thousands and left millions suffering from hunger. Germany’s decision not to deliver the Eurofighter jets further reflects its commitment to addressing the crisis in Yemen.
A government source confirmed to Reuters that Germany will not be making a decision on the issue until the end of its current legislative term in 2025. Germany halted arms sales to Saudi Arabia in 2018 following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. This decision showed a much firmer stance than that of its major allies like the United States, France, and Britain.
However, with the recent improvement in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, Britain has argued that Germany can no longer block the export of Eurofighter jets to third parties. In 2016, BAE Systems, a British defense firm, signed a deal with Saudi Arabia to supply 48 Eurofighter jets. However, approximately one-third of the components for these jets come from Germany.
While reports earlier this month suggest that Germany’s governing coalition is divided over whether to yield to British pressure, the Greens strongly oppose the move. The position taken by Germany highlights the importance it places on human rights and the resolution of conflicts before engaging in arms exports.
This decision by Germany not to deliver the Eurofighter jets underscores its commitment to addressing the crisis in Yemen and prioritizing human rights concerns. The government’s stance aligns with its refusal to resume arms sales to Saudi Arabia following the murder of Khashoggi. Although debates continue within the German government, the country’s commitment to a peaceful resolution in Yemen remains steadfast.
