In 2025, the German government approved permits for the export of arms and military equipment totaling about 12 billion euros. According to official data, although this indicator has slightly decreased from the record level in 2024, the volume still remains very large.
The most noteworthy point is that Ukraine has once again become the main recipient: Berlin has issued export permits worth more than 2 billion euros to Kyiv. This is further proof of how quickly both political decisions and economic figures are changing amid the "hot" situation at the front.
Who is in the top three?
Germany's two NATO partners - Norway (about 1.3 billion euros) and Sweden (about 1 billion euros) - ranked second and third in the report.
How was the 12 billion euros distributed?
Of the total amount, according to official comments:
- approximately 5.6 billion euros - for the weapons themselves,
- approximately 6.4 billion euros - for other military equipment.
It is said that the licensing mechanism is also twofold: a large part is provided for through separate export licenses, and another part is provided for within the framework of general licenses.
At the same time, the ministry notes that about 90% of export permits are related to such areas as the European Union, NATO, as well as South Korea and Singapore, and assistance to Ukraine. (The remaining portion is given as contributions from "third countries").
New scheme and additional funds through PURL
In December 2025, German Foreign Minister Johann Vadeful announced that an additional $200 million would be allocated for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine. These funds will be allocated within the framework of the PURL - Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List program.
The meaning of PURL is simple: Allies pay for US-made weapons based on the "priority list" needed by Ukraine, then deliveries are coordinated.
The Ukrainian leadership has also repeatedly stated that the flow of funds through this mechanism is of great importance: it is mentioned that important positions such as Patriot and ammunition for HIMARS are being financed within the framework of PURL.
What will happen?
These figures clearly show one thing: the European security architecture has moved away from a "paper strategy" to real funds and real logistics. It's difficult for the needs surrounding Ukraine to decline even in 2026 - meaning licenses, contracts, and political debates will continue. In short, this is the "era of big numbers" in history, and calculations in it are not only in economics - but also in geopolitics.
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