Berlin eases some defence export rules for Gulf states, Ukraine

The German government is easing export rules to enable faster deliveries of certain air and maritime defence goods to a number of Gulf states and Ukraine, a new six-month authorization issued on Friday by the Economy Ministry showed.

Under the new general authorization, exporters can use faster export authorizations without first having to file an export application with the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA).

This was a "sign of solidarity," Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said.

"Iran's indiscriminate attacks on the Gulf states mean that defence goods, especially for air defence, are urgently needed there," she said.

The order, which runs until September 15, covers exports to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. At the same time, Ukraine's need for military support, particularly for air defence, continues, Reiche said.