German supplies to Ankara have been described as controversial in recent years due to concerns about the country’s human rights situation and some of the actions of the government there.
This year, the German government approved the export of weapons to Turkey with a total value of 230.8 million euros. According to the German Ministry of Economy, this is the highest amount since 2006, TASR reports according to Thursday’s DPA agency.
Exports included arms worth 79.7 million euros and other military equipment worth 151.1 million euros. German supplies to Ankara have been described as controversial in recent years due to concerns about the country’s human rights situation and some of the actions of the government there.
After the failed coup d’état in Turkey and the Turkish ground military offensive in northern Syria in 2016, Germany severely limited export permits to Ankara. The latest data, according to the DPA, suggests that there has been a change in policy on the matter.
In September, the German Ministry of Economy approved an increased supply of torpedoes, guided missiles and submarine parts. Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended these deliveries during a visit to Istanbul in October. “Turkey is a member of NATO, and therefore we always decide to ensure specific supplies for the country. It goes without saying,” said Scholz.
The office could also be open to possible deliveries of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. Scholz said talks between the UK and Turkey about the fighter jets were ongoing.
Sevim Dagdelen of Sahra Wagenknecht’s far-left Alliance (BSW) called increased exports a “fatal mistake” given Ankara’s continued attacks against Iraq and Syria.
