The latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) points to drastic changes in the global arms trade. Arms imports to European countries increased by 210 percent in recent years, which is a direct response to Russian aggression against Ukraine. While the United States and France are strengthening their export dominance, Germany has moved up to fourth place in the world, overtaking China.
Record Growth in Europe
Arms imports to European countries increased by 210 percent compared to the years 2014-2018.
Dominance of the USA and France
The United States controls 42 percent of the market, and France maintained second position with an 11 percent share.
Germany's Rise in the Ranking
Germany became the fourth largest arms exporter in the world, overtaking China in the ranking.
Global Upward Trend
Since 2021, global arms exports have recorded an overall increase of 9.2 percent.
The global arms market is undergoing a fundamental transformation, driven primarily by a change in the security architecture on the European continent. According to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global arms exports increased by 9.2 percent since 2021. However, the most striking data concerns Europe itself, where arms imports in the years 2019-2023 increased by 94 percent compared to the previous five-year period. Comparing the last two years with the 2014-2018 period, the scale of purchases increased by as much as 210 percent, which means an actual tripling of deliveries.
The sharp jump in demand for defense systems is a direct consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the need to replenish stockpiles after transferring equipment to Kyiv. European states, which for decades had been reducing their military potential, are now massively ordering modern air defense systems, armored vehicles, and ammunition. Growth in arms imports to Europe: 2014-2018 (base 100%), 2019-2023 (+94%), last 2 years (+210%) This situation has forced governments to revise defense doctrines and accelerate modernization processes that were previously planned over many years.
A duopoly of the United States and France has solidified in the structure of global suppliers. The Americans increased their share of global exports from 34 to 42 percent, remaining the undisputed leader. France, thanks to contracts for Rafale fighter jets and ships, maintained second place with a share of 11 percent. 42% — 42% – this is the current share of the USA in global arms exports. A significant event is Germany's advance to fourth position in the exporter ranking. Berlin, with a 5.6 percent share, overtook China, reflecting the growing role of the German defense industry in supplying NATO allies and partners in Central and Eastern Europe.
Experts emphasize that the current trend is not merely a momentary reaction to the conflict, but a long-term change. „Większość państw europejskich silnie uzależniona jest od importu broni. Większość z nich od dawna planowała zwiększenie swoich zdolności militarnych, a rosyjska inwazja na Ukrainę ostatecznie przekształciła plany w zamówienia” (Most European states are heavily dependent on arms imports. Most of them have long planned to increase their military capabilities, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has finally turned plans into orders) — Pieter D. Wezeman – explains Pieter D. Wezeman, senior researcher at SIPRI. Share in global exports: USA (42%), France (11%), Germany (5.6%), China (below 5.6%) This dynamic is amplified by global instability, as confirmed by reports of the need to rebuild strategic stockpiles in almost every region of the world. Europe, becoming a purchasing hub, is effectively financing the development of military technologies from its main suppliers, while simultaneously trying to build its own strategic autonomy.