Scholz Rejects Eurofighter Delivery to Saudi Arabia

Germany will not be delivering Eurofighter combat jets to Saudi Arabia in the foreseeable future due to their involvement in the Yemen war. Chancellor Scholz is adhering to a clause in the coalition agreement.

Germany Rejects Eurofighter Delivery to Saudi Arabia

The German government has decided not to approve the delivery of Eurofighter combat jets to Saudi Arabia for the time being. “There is no foreseeable decision regarding Eurofighter deliveries to Saudi Arabia,” said Chancellor Olaf Scholz on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania.

According to government sources, this decision applies to the current legislative period until autumn 2025. This was reported by the “Süddeutsche Zeitung.” The decision has been a subject of debate within the coalition government for weeks.

Arms exports to Saudi Arabia are particularly controversial due to the kingdom’s leading role in the Yemen war as part of the alliance supporting the government against the Houthi rebels.

Clause to No Longer Be Applied

The coalition agreement between the SPD, Greens, and FDP in 2021 includes the following statement: “We will not grant export permits for arms to states that are demonstrably directly involved in the Yemen war.”

According to the Chancellor, this clause will no longer be applied due to developments in the conflict. Scholz stated that it can no longer be “guiding in action” as the situation in Yemen has changed significantly. Many of those involved in the conflict have withdrawn from it.

Despite this change in assessment, which was also supported by the Federal Foreign Office, it is stated that applications for export permits to Saudi Arabia should be deferred until the end of the Yemen war. Therefore, no approval will be given for the Eurofighter.

48 Eurofighters with German Components

According to the Greens, Saudi Arabia has requested the delivery of 48 Eurofighters, which are produced in the UK with components supplied from Germany. However, the delivery of transport aircraft of the “A400M” type to the United Arab Emirates, which is also involved in the Yemen war, is expected to be approved.