Ukraine has become the world's largest arms importer from 2020 to 2024. During this period, the country's arms purchases increased nearly 100 times compared to 2015-2019. This was reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The US has become the main arms supplier to Ukraine
The report emphasizes that the US provided 45% of the weapons delivered to Ukraine. Germany (12%) and Poland (11%) ranked second and third. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, at least 35 countries provided military assistance to Kyiv.
Additionally, the volume of arms deliveries to NATO countries has also sharply increased. From 2020 to 2024, the arms imports of alliance members rose by 105% compared to the previous five-year period. The largest share of US arms exports was directed to Europe (35%), while the Middle East dropped to second place with a 33% share. Saudi Arabia is the largest client of American military industrial companies, accounting for 12% of US arms exports.
Russian arms exports decreased by 64%
According to SIPRI, Russia is facing serious problems in arms trade. From 2020 to 2024, Moscow reduced its arms export volume by 64%. This situation had already begun in 2020-2021, and the sanctions in 2022 further weakened Russia's position in the arms market.
The largest clients of Russian arms exports, India and China, are trying to reduce their dependence on Russian weapons. India is strengthening cooperation with countries like France and the US, while China is focusing on developing its domestic arms industry, thus reducing its need for Russia. For this reason, Moscow is trying to maintain its sphere of influence by offering discounts to poor African countries.
France has become the world's second-largest arms exporter
France has been recognized as the second-largest arms exporter in the world, holding a 9.6% share of the global market. The following positions are held by Russia (7.8%), Germany (5.6%), China (5.9%), and Italy (4.8%).
According to the SIPRI report, during this period, the US delivered arms to 107 countries worldwide. American exports increased by 21%, and its share in the global market rose from 35% to 43%. This made it the absolute leader in arms trade.
At the same time, Russia sold arms to only 33 countries from 2020 to 2024. Two-thirds of Russian exports were directed to India (38%), China (17%), and Kazakhstan (11%). Once one of the largest players in the global arms market, Moscow is currently facing serious challenges in restoring its industrial capabilities.
