Global arms transfers surge 9.2% as Europe triples imports, SIPRI reports

Global arms transfers increased by 9.2% between 2016–20 and 2021–25, largely driven by surging demand in Europe following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to new data released Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). European states more than tripled their arms imports, making the region the largest arms-importing market globally, accounting for 33% of all imports.

European rearmament

"Deliveries to Ukraine since 2022 are the most obvious factor, but most other European states have also started importing significantly more arms to shore up their military capabilities against a perceived growing threat from Russia," said Matthew George, director of SIPRI's Arms Transfers Program. After Ukraine, Poland and the UK were the largest arms importers in Europe during the period, reflecting the continent's rapid military buildup.

US dominance grows

The US further expanded its dominance of global arms exports, supplying 42% of all international arms transfers in 2021–25, up from 36% in the previous five-year period. US exports increased by 27% overall, including a dramatic 217% surge in shipments to Europe, reflecting the continent's growing demand for advanced military systems. For the first time in two decades, the largest share of US arms exports went to Europe (38%) rather than the Middle East (33%).

European exporters rise

France remained the second-largest global arms exporter, accounting for 9.8% of worldwide exports, with a 21% growth driven by sales to India, Egypt and Greece. Germany overtook China to become the fourth-largest arms exporter globally, accounting for 5.7% of exports, with nearly a quarter delivered to Ukraine as military aid and another 17% going to other European states. Arms exports by Italy surged 157%, pushing the country from the 10th largest exporter to sixth place globally.

Israel expands market share

Israel expanded its presence in the global arms market, increasing its share from 3.1% to 4.4% and overtaking the UK to become the seventh-largest arms supplier worldwide. "Despite conducting the war in Gaza and attacks in Iran, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria and Yemen, Israel still managed to increase its share of global arms exports," said SIPRI researcher Zain Hussain, noting the country's continued ability to secure international arms deals amid ongoing conflicts.