The discussion about arms exports between Germany and Turkey is gaining momentum. While the German government recently adopted a restrictive stance towards arms deliveries to Turkey, current developments indicate that Berlin is ready to move away from this blockade stance.
At a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) reaffirmed his support for increasing cooperation in the arms sector and is considering the delivery of Eurofighter fighter jets. This situation raises numerous questions, particularly with regard to the security and human rights implications.
Armaments Relations and Eurofighter
Turkey is a long-standing NATO partner and has a strong interest in acquiring modern weapons systems to expand its military capacity. At the heart of these efforts is the desire to acquire around 40 Eurofighters, in the production of which Germany is involved. The Chancellor has stressed that Turkey will be able to receive continued arms deliveries due to its NATO membership, which represents a significant shift in German foreign policy.
The background to these considerations lies in the security policy interests of both countries. Turkey sees itself in an increasingly tense regional security situation, especially in relation to its neighbors and the Middle East. At the same time, Germany, as a leading NATO country, needs Turkey as a stable partner in the region, which further complicates the arms debate.
Human Rights and Arms Exports
The issue of arms exports to Turkey is controversial, however. The human rights situation in Turkey has caused international concern in recent years. Critics accuse the Turkish government of repressive action against political opposition and ethnic minorities. In particular, after Turkish troops invaded Syria in 2016, approvals for arms exports were severely restricted. These restrictions meant that approvals in recent years have only been in the low double-digit or even single-digit million range.
However, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Economics, the German government has again approved arms exports worth hundreds of millions this year, including the delivery of torpedoes and guided missiles. This could indicate a paradigm shift in German arms export policy, which could also potentially affect Eurofighter deliveries.
International Dimensions and the Role of the USA
Another crucial factor in this geopolitical context is the role of the United States. Earlier this year, the US government approved exports of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. This could strengthen Turkey's position and increase its influence in the region. While the US thus further deepens its military ties with Turkey, Germany could come under pressure to take similar steps in order not to fall behind its allies.
The talks between Great Britain and Turkey on the purchase of the Eurofighter, which Scholz points out, underline the international dimension of this arms debate. Great Britain is a major player in Eurofighter production and could play a decisive role in the negotiations.
The debate about arms exports to Turkey is complex and multifaceted. It touches on security policy, economic and human rights aspects. While the German government is increasingly open to arms cooperation, the question remains as to how this can be reconciled with human rights concerns and international responsibility. Developments in the coming weeks and months will be crucial in observing whether Germany is actually prepared to supply Eurofighters to Turkey and how this will affect security policy relations within NATO.
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