Germany has approved arms export licences to Israel worth nearly €800 million during the first five months of 2026. The figure is significantly higher than the total value of licences approved during the previous 20 months.
According to the German government, most of the licences were approved in April and May. More than 60 percent of the total value was reportedly linked to a major naval project, which experts believe is connected to a new submarine being built by German defence company TKMS for Israel.
The submarine, known as the INS Drakon, is part of Israel’s Dolphin II-class fleet. It is estimated to be worth around €480 million and was recently handed over to the Israeli Navy after completing sea trials at the German port of Kiel.
Reports indicate that the submarine could be equipped with a Vertical Launch System (VLS), potentially allowing it to launch long-range missiles. This has made the vessel an important part of Israel’s strategic defence capabilities.
The increase in arms exports comes as Germany faces growing pressure over its military support for Israel, particularly amid the war in Gaza and allegations of violations of international humanitarian law. Human rights organisations have called on Germany to halt arms exports to Israel.
Germany, however, says it continues to assess arms-export requests on a case-by-case basis, while maintaining that its commitment to Israel’s security remains an important part of its foreign policy.
The surge in export licences has renewed debate over Germany’s role in supplying military equipment to Israel, particularly as the conflict in Gaza and wider tensions in the Middle East continue.