Against the background of the growing geopolitical tension, the defense industry in Germany suffers from accelerated growth. The export of military equipment in 2024 is expected to reach 13.2 billion euros, according to the initial data, which exceeds half the level of 2020 in 5.82 billion euros, as reported.
The shares of public defense companies showed strong growth over the past year, which was facilitated by a historical financial package adopted by the federal government to enhance defense and infrastructure. For example, Rheinmetall shares, the largest defense contractor in Germany, have grown more than 260 % over the past 12 months, and Hensoldt – 168 %.
But where does the German weapon go? In the first quarter of 2025, 80 % of Germany’s arms exports were that “Partners of the countries in the school”Including the states of the European Union, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore and Ukraine. It is 20 % remaining for “other third countries”, which, according to government sources, includes Qatar and Israel.
According to the Cberry (Stockholm Institute to search for peace problems – EadailyFrom 2020 to 2024, Germany was the fifth largest source of heavy weapons in the world. The main markets during this period have become Ukraine (19 %), Egypt (19 %) and Israel (11 %). Depending on the type of equipment that was exported, it was 41 % of the ships, followed by armored vehicles (16 %), missiles (11 %) and engines (9.5 %).
For example, Rheinmetall concerns produce weapons, ammunition and armored vehicles. In 2024, more than a third of sales in Germany, 46.6 % – for the rest of Europe, 9.6 % – to Asia and the Middle East, and the rest of America and Australia.
MTu Aero engines are a resource for civil and military aircraft. The company recorded an increase of more than 13 % in a military unit in 2024. EJ200 engines are used for the Eurofighter aircraft by the Air Force in Europe, Kuwait, Tahibiya and Saudi Arabia.
Hensoldt, which specializes in sensory technologies and electronic protection. 87.8 % of revenues were in 2024 in Europe, the rest in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, North America and Africa.
RNK is the manufacturer of gearboxes for cabinets and ships. In 2024, the company’s revenues reached 1.14 billion euros, 27 % of sales in Germany, 20 % of the United States and 11 % in South Korea. The company includes clients in more than 70 ground powers and 40 fleets around the world.
Thyssenkrup Marine Systems, a section of the industrial giant thyssenkrup, specialized in building warships. In the first half of the fiscal year, approximately 60 % of sales were in Europe, 18 % in South America and 15 % in the Middle East and Africa.
