Global Arms Trade Overview (2020-24)
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released data detailing global arms imports and exports for the period 2020-24, highlighting significant trends and shifts in the international arms market.
Major Arms Importers
- Ukraine: The largest importer, with a nearly hundredfold increase compared to 2015-19, primarily due to the ongoing war with Russia.
- India: The second-largest importer despite a 9.3% decrease from 2015-19 levels. Russia and France are major suppliers.
- Pakistan: Increased imports by 61%, with China being the dominant supplier (81% of imports).
- China: Dropped from the top 10 importers list for the first time since 1990-94, indicating a stronger domestic arms industry.
- Other Asian Importers: India, Pakistan, Japan, and Australia are among the top 10 global importers.
Major Arms Exporters
- United States: Increased its global export share to 43%.
- Russia: Exports fell by 64%, now contributing 7.8% to global exports, dropping behind France.
- France: Emerged as the second-largest exporter at 9.6%, with India receiving 28% of its exports.
- Italy: Moved up to sixth place with a 4.8% global share.
Regional Trends
- Europe: Arms imports rose by 155% as nations rearmed, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
- Asia and Oceania: Continued to be significant markets for arms, with India and Pakistan leading.
- Middle East and Africa: Some decline in imports despite high threat perceptions.
Notable Contracts and Deals
India has signed major contracts with France, including purchases of 36 Rafale jets, six Scorpene-class submarines, and plans for additional Rafale-M jets and submarines.
Arms Deliveries to Ukraine
- Ukraine received 8.8% of global imports, predominantly supplied by the USA (45%), Germany (12%), and Poland (11%).
- At least 35 countries have contributed arms to Ukraine since 2022.
Conclusions
Global arms transfers have remained stable compared to 2015-19 and 2010-14, with a shift in trade dynamics influenced by geopolitical tensions, especially in Europe.