Germany greenlights €350M weapons deal with 'Israel'

Germany has authorized the purchase of 90 Litening 5 targeting pods from 'Israeli' defense firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for its Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, a 358 million euro purchase. The move was announced just weeks after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that Berlin would halt all military equipment exports to 'Israel' that could be used in the war in Gaza.

The timing of the announcement has sparked questions about the consistency of Germany’s policies. Critics note the apparent contradiction between halting new arms shipments to 'Israel' for use in Gaza while simultaneously approving a major procurement of advanced targeting systems from an 'Israeli' company.

Read more: Germany suspends arms exports to “Israel” for use in Gaza

According to Rafael, the Litening 5 is a fifth-generation targeting pod already in service with 28 air forces worldwide, with more than 2,000 units delivered and over 2.2 million operational flight hours, primarily during contingency operations. The pod’s sensor suite includes mid- and short-wave infrared, high-resolution color imaging, dual-wavelength laser designation, and optional synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for all-weather wide-area imaging.

- Suspending arms -

Chancellor Merz announced earlier this month that Germany will halt all exports of military equipment to 'Israel' that could be used in the war in Gaza.

The move marks a significant shift in German policy, as Germany has been one of 'Israel's' most prominent international allies. Merz stated that understanding how the 'Israeli' army's plan could help achieve legitimate goals is becoming "increasingly difficult."

"Under these circumstances, the German government will not allow any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice," Merz said.

He added that "with the planned operation, the Israeli government bears even greater responsibility" to provide aid to civilians in Gaza.

He reiterated a call for "United Nations organizations and other non-governmental institutions" to have comprehensive access to the territory.