Executive Summary
This SIPRI report analyzes global arms transfers from 2021-2025, showing a 9.2% increase in volume compared to 2016-2020. The US remains the top exporter, increasing its share to 42%, while France surpassed Russia as the second-largest supplier. Ukraine became the world's largest arms importer, and European imports more than trebled, driven by the war and Russian threat perceptions.
Why It Matters
This document provides critical data on global arms trade trends, revealing shifts in supplier dominance, recipient priorities, and regional security dynamics, which are essential for understanding evolving geopolitical power balances and conflict potential.
Key Takeaways
- Global arms transfers increased by 9.2% in 2021–25, with the US solidifying its position as the largest supplier (42% share) and Russia's exports plummeting by 64%.
- Europe's arms imports surged by 210%, with Ukraine becoming the world's largest recipient, significantly altering regional military capabilities and dependencies.
- The shift in US arms exports, with Europe becoming the largest recipient for the first time in two decades, underscores a strategic reorientation towards European security.
- The decline in arms imports by Asia and Oceania, particularly China, indicates a move towards greater indigenous production or diversified sourcing in the region.
Strategic Relevance
The data highlights significant shifts in global military power projection and regional security architectures. The increased reliance of Europe on US arms, the decline of Russian influence, and the rise of new recipients like Ukraine directly impact alliance structures, deterrence strategies, and the potential for future conflicts.