German arms export licences for Israel surge with focus on sub project

Germany has significantly increased its approval of arms export licenses to Israel, authorizing nearly 800 million euros ($913 million) in the first five months of 2026. This amount exceeds the total granted over the preceding 20 months, according to government confirmation.

The approvals, largely concentrated in April and May, signal a substantial rise in German weapons exports to Israel, a key European ally. This surge occurs despite the German government's stated concerns regarding the extensive destruction caused by Israel's military operations in Gaza.

Government figures indicate that more than 60% of the total value of these licenses is allocated to a single, undisclosed "major maritime project." Analysts suggest this likely refers to a submarine being built by German manufacturer TKMS. The INS Drakon, a nuclear-capable Dolphin II-class submarine, recently completed its maiden voyage and was reportedly handed over to the Israeli Navy.

Submarines of this class are strategically significant, potentially offering a sea-based second-strike capability. Reports suggest the INS Drakon could be equipped with a vertical launching system (VLS), enabling it to deploy nuclear-tipped missiles, a feature few navies possess on conventionally powered submarines.

This development comes amid ongoing discussions about transparency in arms exports. Max Mutschler, a researcher at the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies, noted that the federal government's lack of explicit detail is typical of the opacity surrounding such transactions. The order for the submarine dates back to 2012, and past reports conflicted on whether export licenses had been granted, with TKMS indicating approval while the German government initially denied it.

“

Unfortunately, the fact that the federal government does not explicitly mention this is also typical of the lack of transparency surrounding arms exports.