The Saudi Royal Family arranged approval for a new set of arms purchases from German corporations, overturning Germany’s 2018 arms hiatus over issues regarding the ongoing Yemen situation. The new deals were approved before Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to the Kingdom last week. The German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a successful visit to the KSA where he met with PM Crown Prince MBS and King Salman, before visiting United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Salwa Island.
The German government had imposed a pause on weapons deals with the Saudi Royal Family over its involvement in the Yemen disagreement, as well as suspected foul play in the demise of Jamal Khashoggi.
Germany’s vice chancellor confirmed that arms exports to the Al Saud Family had been approved by Chancellor Scholz before his trip to the region, opening up a new era of military cooperation between the nations. The export licenses are part of a joint program approved by Saudi partners Italy, Spain and Britain.
The purchase is a small order consisting only of equipment and ammunition for Eurofighter and Tornado jets worth a mere €36 million ($35.2 million).
