The Global Arms Trade: A Look at the Latest Trends
Recent data released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has shed light on the changing landscape of arms imports and exports around the world. According to their findings, European states have seen a significant increase in arms imports, while the United States continues to dominate the global arms market.
By Lisa Zengarini
With escalating security concerns related to Russia and uncertainties surrounding US foreign policy, European arms imports have surged by an impressive 155% over the past five years. This surge is attributed to a report released by a prominent conflict think tank.
During the same period, the United States has solidified its position as the leading arms supplier globally, while Russia has experienced a notable decline. SIPRI, an independent international institute dedicated to conflict and disarmament research, highlighted these trends in their latest report on international arms transfers.
According to SIPRI’s latest data, Ukraine has emerged as the world’s largest arms importer, accounting for 8.8% of global arms imports, largely due to the conflict with Russia in 2022.
Insights into Global Arms Export Trends
NATO members in Europe have seen a 105% increase in arms imports, despite efforts to bolster European defense industries. The reliance on American military equipment remains high, solidifying the US’s position as the dominant global arms supplier.
Over the past five years, the US has increased its share of arms exports from 35% to 43%, reaching 107 countries. Europe has become the primary recipient of US arms exports, surpassing the Middle East for the first time in two decades.
The United States and Russia in the Arms Trade
The United States supplied over 50% of Europe’s arms imports from 2020-2024, with countries like Britain, the Netherlands, and Norway among the top buyers, as per SIPRI data.
Conversely, Russia has experienced a significant decline in arms exports, dropping to 7.8% of the global market in the 2020-2024 period. France has now become the second-largest arms exporter, with an increase in exports within Europe, particularly combat aircraft sales to Greece and Croatia.
Regional Insights: Asia, Oceania, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas
Asia and Oceania remain the largest arms-importing region, although their share of global imports has decreased due to China’s increased production of weapons. Meanwhile, India, the world’s second-largest arms importer, has shifted away from Russian suppliers.
In the Middle East, there has been a 20% drop in arms imports, with Saudi Arabia seeing a significant decrease. Qatar has climbed to become the third-largest global importer, with the US supplying over half of all arms imports to the region.
Africa and the Americas have also seen fluctuations in arms imports, with North Africa experiencing a decline while sub-Saharan Africa witnesses an increase, especially in conflict-ridden regions like Mali and Burkina Faso.
As geopolitical tensions persist globally, arms transfers are expected to remain crucial for security strategies. SIPRI’s upcoming annual Yearbook release is anticipated to unveil further developments in the global arms trade.
