In a statement released on Monday, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed that European states significantly increased their arms imports between 2019 and 2023 compared to the period from 2014 to 2018. This surge in imports was largely driven by the conflict in Ukraine, which became the largest European arms importer following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
According to SIPRI, European arms imports rose by 94% during the 2019-2023 period, with Ukraine ranking as the fourth largest arms importer globally during this time frame. The influx of military aid from approximately 30 different countries played a crucial role in Ukraine’s increased arms acquisitions.
While the United States ramped up its arms exports by 17% from 2019 to 2023 compared to the previous five-year period, Russia experienced a notable decline in arms exports, with a 53% decrease during the same timeframe.
SIPRI emphasized the growing role of the United States as a key arms supplier on a global scale, attributing this trend to the country’s foreign policy agenda. On the other hand, the sharp decrease in Russia’s arms exports is expected to continue in the near future, based on the low volume of pending deliveries.
Notably, the total volume of international major arms transfers, which encompass various military equipment like aircraft, warships, artillery, missiles, and tanks, slightly decreased by 3.3% between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023.
The decline in Russia’s arms exports resulted in France surpassing them to become the world’s second largest arms exporter, trailing behind the United States. This shift marked the first time that France moved ahead of Russia in arms exports since records began in 1950.
Overall, these significant changes in arms imports and exports highlight the evolving dynamics of global arms trade and the impact of geopolitical conflicts on the distribution of military equipment across different regions.
As countries adjust their strategies in response to shifting security threats and international tensions, the arms trade landscape continues to undergo transformations that have wide-ranging implications for global security and stability.
With the United States solidifying its position as a dominant arms supplier and Russia facing challenges in maintaining its export volumes, the balance of power in the global arms trade is experiencing notable shifts that will likely influence future geopolitical dynamics.
It remains essential for policymakers and analysts to closely monitor these trends and their potential consequences to ensure effective measures are taken to promote peace and security in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
Reporting by Johan Ahlander; Editing by Josie Kao
