This is evidenced by new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). According to SIPRI estimates, the growth in global arms transfers has become the largest since 2011-2015. The main factor was a sharp increase in arms transfers to Europe – primarily Ukraine, which received 9.7% of all global arms transfers in 2021-2025. Overall, European countries received 33% of global arms imports, and the region’s imports increased by 210% compared to the previous five-year period.
After Ukraine, the largest arms importers in Europe were Poland and the United Kingdom. Almost half of all shipments to European states came from the United States (48%), followed by Germany (7.1%) and France (6.2%).
According to Matthew George, director of SIPRI’s Arms Transfer Program, the sharp increase in deliveries is related to the war between Russia and Ukraine, and in this context, to the general strengthening of defense policy in Europe.
The largest seller is the United States
The United States remains the largest arms exporter in the world. It accounted for 42% of all international shipments in 2021-2025, compared to 36% in 2016-2020. Overall, U.S. arms exports grew 27%, with shipments to 99 countries around the world.
For the first time in two decades, Europe accounted for the largest share of U.S. arms exports (38%), while the Middle East accounted for 33%. Saudi Arabia remained the largest single buyer of U.S. arms, accounting for 12% of U.S. exports.
SIPRI senior researcher Peter Weseman notes that the US has strengthened its position as a key arms supplier even in a more multipolar world.
France’s share is growing
France has become the second largest arms exporter in the world with a 9.8% share of the global market. Its exports grew by 21%, with India (24%), Egypt (11%) and Greece (10%) as its main buyers. French arms shipments to Europe increased more than fivefold.
At the same time, Russia was the only country among the top ten exporters to experience a sharp drop in shipments. Its exports fell by 64% and its share of the world market dropped from 21% to 6.8%.
