Germany eases arms exports restrictions for Gulf states, Ukraine

BERLIN, March 20 (Reuters) - Germany has simplified the export of certain air and naval defence equipment to the Gulf states and Ukraine to ensure deliveries arrive rapidly, said the economy ministry on Friday.

"Iran's indiscriminate attacks on the Gulf states have resulted in an urgent need for military equipment, particularly for air defence," said Economy Minister Katherina Reiche.

"With the new, temporary licence, we are adapting our arms export control procedures for the export of urgently needed arms to these countries to meet these new requirements," she added.

In addition to Ukraine, the new general export licence, valid for six months, applies to exports to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

Under the new regulation, exporters are permitted to export goods without first having to submit an individual application to the BAFA office for export control, said the ministry.

The regulation, which stipulates that the companies must register and deliver monthly reports, applies to goods for air and naval defence, including the disposal of sea mines, it said.