Berlin, Germany – Germany’s decision to authorize the export of 150 Iris-T air-to-air missiles to Saudi Arabia has ignited a fresh firestorm, with critics voicing concerns about human rights and potential escalation of conflicts.
The approval, confirmed on Wednesday by government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, stems from a confidential decision by the Federal Security Council, according to a report in news magazine Der Spiegel. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and several key ministers sit on the council.
This move follows recent statements hinting at a potential green light for Saudi Arabia’s long-awaited Eurofighter jet purchase, a move linked to the kingdom’s apparent rapprochement with Israel. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s support for the jet deal, echoing Chancellor Scholz’s position, has drawn flak from within her own Green Party, highlighting the internal struggle between pragmatism and ethical concerns surrounding arms deals with countries with questionable human rights records.
The Iris-T missiles, produced by German arms giant Diehl, are primarily intended to equip the Saudi Air Force’s Eurofighter jets. This decision comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region, particularly the ongoing war in Yemen, where Saudi Arabia leads a military coalition accused of numerous civilian casualties.