Tag: German government

Germany to Buy 40% Stake in Tank Maker KNDS

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius at the rollout event for the new Leopard 2A8 battle tank and the Panzerhaubitze 2000 A4 tank howitzer on November 19, 2025 at KNDS in Munich | Photo: Bundeswehr/Jana Neumann

Germany plans to buy an initial 40% stake in defence company KNDS, the maker of Leopard 2 tanks and Panzerhaubitze 2000 systems, as Berlin seeks greater involvement in the defence industry and aims to retain key expertise.

Israel expects Germany to lift arms export halt after Gaza ceasefire

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the start of the closed meeting of the Federal Cabinet of the CDU, CSU and SPD on September 30, 2025, in Berlin | Photo: Kay Nietfeld/dpa

Israel has urged Germany to lift its partial arms export halt and travel warning following the Gaza ceasefire. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said the restrictions should end and backed German participation in the Gaza peace process, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz signalled the export freeze may be reviewed.