The German government has approved defence exports worth €4.13 billion euros ($4.9 billion) in the first nine months of 2020, around a third less than the same period last year, according to Economy Ministry data seen by dpa.
Defense export permits during the whole of 2019 made for a total of 8.02 billion euros, marking a record year.
So far this year, the top recipient of German-manufactured arms and defense equipment is Egypt with exports totaling 585.9 million euros, the ministry said in response to a request for information from hard-left party Die Linke.
Arms shipments to Egypt are controversial in Germany due to the North African country's poor human rights record, as well as its military alliance with Saudi Arabia in the Yemen war.
Egypt has also been accused of sending weapons to Libya, despite UN efforts to enforce an arms embargo to de-escalate that conflict.
Egypt receives submarines from German naval defense manufacturer ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the fourth of which was christened with water from the Nile at the company's shipyard in Kiel two weeks ago, in a ceremony attended by the commander of the Egyptian Navy.
"By making Egypt the top recipient of weapons of war, the government is fuelling the armed conflicts in Yemen and Libya," said Sevim Dagdelen of Die Linke.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana’s Petroleum Hub Project to transform petroleum downstream sector
17 mins -
Mohammed Kudus will come back from red card suspension stronger – Michail Antonio
46 mins -
AFCON 2025Q: Ghana’s chances of qualifying are ‘low to impossible’ – Angola coach
49 mins -
Sammi Awuku leads NPP youth to rally support in Odododiodio and Korle Klottey constituencies
1 hour -
AFCON 2025Q: Stars to fly with 22 players for Angola test, Ebenezer Annan to join in Luanda
1 hour -
Historic coronation of Torgbi Mileba III: A celebration of heritage with support from Vanuatu’s Trade Commissioner to Ghana
1 hour -
Bawah Fuseini aims to transform National Sports College into international standard facility
2 hours -
Members of 8th Parliament lack “mental capacity” – Kofi Koranteng
2 hours -
[Infographics] Dialysis crisis: The free treatment promise
2 hours -
Tension between Strategy and Complacency: What is the NDC’s definition of vigilance towards the 2024 elections?
2 hours -
Two artists reflect on shifting architectural and food cultures ahead of WorldFaze Art Practice’s November 17 exhibition
2 hours -
McDan Group chairman advocates for hard work and self-reliance
2 hours -
Lower primary school teachers undergo training to develop teaching materials
2 hours -
This is the “most useless” parliament Ghana has ever had – Kofi Koranteng
2 hours -
[Infographics to keep] Vacant Seats case: The Supreme Court verdict and related politics
2 hours