Germany Approves Over 799 Million Euros in Arms Exports to Israel for Maritime Project

Germany disclosed in mid-July 2026 that it approved arms exports to Israel totaling 799.34 million euros in the first half of the year. Nearly all of these permits were issued in April and May, with over 60 percent linked to an unnamed major maritime project. The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany provided this data in a report on arms export policies.

The most likely project tied to these exports is the Dragon submarine for the Israel Navy, constructed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems at the Kila shipyard. The submarine, valued at approximately 480 million euros, was first tested in 2025 and officially handed over to Israel in July 2026, according to German media. The German Government and Ministry of Economy have not confirmed that this contract was the primary recipient of the new export permits.

The Dragon submarine, a Dolphin II class vessel, is equipped with an independent power plant. Media reports indicate that some of its superstructures were covered with paint and composite panels during testing to obscure the composition of its weapons systems. Analysts note that a submarine could be fitted with a vertical launcher for missiles, though no official data confirms such a configuration. If available, this would enhance the submarine’s operational range and conceal the use of weapons from the sea.

In August 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a temporary halt on issuing new permits for military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip, following Israel’s approval of an expanded military operation in the enclave. However, this restriction did not apply to all defense contracts. Approved shipments continued, and export applications were evaluated based on the product’s intended use and destination.

By November 2025, Germany lifted the partial ban and resumed individual applications for military exports. The government cited a change in the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip ceasefire and its continued commitment to supporting Israel’s security. This decision reflects ongoing tensions and Germany’s complex stance on arms exports to Israel.

In February 2026, the German Federal Constitutional Court rejected a complaint from a Palestinian resident of Gaza demanding a suspension of military equipment exports to Israel. The court did not evaluate the state’s potential obligations to protect civilians, noting that the complainant lacked the necessary procedural standing. This ruling underscores the legal and political challenges surrounding such export decisions.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Russian)