SIPRI: Global Arms Exports Soar, Demand Rises Sharply in Europe

According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global arms flows have increased by nearly 10% in the last five years. Europe has more than tripled its imports, mainly due to arms purchases for Ukraine and the strengthening of defense capabilities against Russia.

Europe accounts for 33% of global arms imports, an increase of 210%. Almost half of the imports (48%) come from the USA, which dominates arms exports with 42% of the total.

France is the second largest arms exporter, while Germany surpassed China to take fourth place. Russian arms exports decreased by 64%, with its share of global exports shrinking to 6.8%.

The decline in Russian exports is due to the increased use of equipment in the war in Ukraine and the pressure from the US and the EU on third countries not to buy weapons from Russia. China and India are seeking to develop domestic defense technology.