On January 8, 2024, Germany announced a major shift in its defense policy by lifting the ban on Eurofighter Typhoon sales to Saudi Arabia. The decision was revealed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during an official visit to Israel. She emphasized Saudi Arabia’s critical role in intercepting Hezbollah missiles targeting Israel and in preventing the wider spread of regional conflicts.

This strategic move is seen as a turning point in Germany’s foreign and defense policy. A spokesperson for Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted that the Saudi Air Force had used Eurofighter jets to intercept Houthi missiles launched from Yemen toward Israel—an action that influenced Berlin’s stance. However, the German Ministry of Defense deferred further comment, pointing instead to the Ministry of Economy and Climate Action as the responsible authority for the official announcement.

Germany’s arms export policy toward Saudi Arabia had been a matter of controversy for years, particularly following the Yemen war and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While Saudi Arabia had already purchased 72 Eurofighters in 2007, plans for a second order had been stalled for years. The recent call by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urging Germany to lift the embargo played a key role in the policy shift.

If new orders are confirmed, the Eurofighter jets will be jointly produced by Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, with final assembly taking place at BAE Systems facilities in Warton, UK. This development not only strengthens European defense industry cooperation but also has far-reaching implications for security dynamics in the Middle East. Germany’s decision is being closely monitored as a significant step in international defense policy.