{"id":37376,"date":"2019-01-11T21:59:26","date_gmt":"2019-01-11T21:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2019\/01\/11\/france-germany-aim-to-unify-their-clashing-weapons-export-rules\/"},"modified":"2026-08-20T12:33:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T12:33:57","slug":"france-germany-aim-to-unify-their-clashing-weapons-export-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/europe\/2019\/01\/11\/france-germany-aim-to-unify-their-clashing-weapons-export-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"France, Germany aim to unify their clashing weapons-export rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

COLOGNE, Germany \u2014 The German Cabinet has approved a new, high-level pact with France that calls for a common approach to weapons exports in all joint programs<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The objective is included in the so-called Aachener Vertrag, slated to be signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the German city of Aachen on Jan. 22. The document is meant to be a milestone agreement complementary of the \u00c9lys\u00e9e Treaty, signed 56 years ago, further cementing ties on all levels between the former World War II foes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Berlin and France previously clashed<\/a> over the question of export limitations for the Future Combat Air System, a sixth-generation warplane envisioned to take flight sometime around 2040, Germany\u2019s Der Spiegel reported last fall. France generally is open to exporting arms to many governments willing to pay for them. German leaders profess to take a more cautious approach when human rights concerns crop up, though the government has a history of making arms deals through the back door anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The different philosophies came to a head following the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi on Oct. 2, which some have alleged was orchestrated by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi ruling family has denied the allegations, buoyed by the Trump administration\u2019s decision to play down the matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The allegations led Merkel to publicly call for halting weapons exports to Saudi Arabia, a move that drew a sharp rebuke from Paris, where officials fumed about what they perceived as German sanctimoniousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

France and Germany\u2019s diverging export policies are based on their respective \u201cstrategic cultures,\u201d said Wolfgang Rudischhauser, vice president of the Federal Academy for Security Policy in Berlin. Germany considers itself a \u201cpeace power,\u201d whereas France models its policies on the premise of an \u201cintervention army,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\t