Europe's arms imports surge by 155% in last 5 years: Report

BERLIN/ISTANBUL

Arms imports in Europe, including fighter jets, anti-aircraft systems, tanks, and submarines, increased by about 155% from the 2015-2019 period to 2020-2024, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Europe made up 11% of global arms imports in 2015-2019, but this share increased to 28% in the 2020-2024 period.

Arms imports by European NATO members increased by 105% in 2020-2024 compared to the previous five years, with 64% of these weapons supplied by the US. This share was 52% during the 2015-2019 period.

The largest importer in Europe was Ukraine, which accounted for 8.8% of global arms imports. The country's imports increased nearly 100-fold during this period, as it was at war with Russia.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has significantly changed the global arms market. The two main export countries for Ukraine were the US, which supplied 45% of its imports, and Germany, which provided 12%.

“With an increasingly belligerent Russia and transatlantic relations under stress during the first Trump presidency (in the US), European NATO states have taken steps to reduce their dependence on arms imports and to strengthen the European arms industry,” Pieter Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute Arms Transfers program, said.

"But the transatlantic arms supply relationship has deep roots. Imports from the USA have risen and European NATO states have almost 500 combat aircraft and many other weapons still on order from the USA," he added.

US, the largest global arms exporter

The US increased its arms exports by 21% from 2015-2019 to 2020-2024, maintaining its leadership in the field.

During the same period, arms deliveries from Russia dropped by 64%. The US sold weapons to 107 countries in 2020-2024, while Russia exported significant arms to 33 countries.

US companies' share of global arms exports rose from 35% in 2015-2019 to 43% in 2020-2024. Meanwhile, Russian companies' share fell from 21% to 7.8%.

The US continued to be the preferred supplier for advanced long-range strike capabilities, such as fighter jets.

Meanwhile, Russia has lost its title as one of the top two arms suppliers, with France taking the position.

France became the second-largest arms supplier globally in 2020-2024, providing weapons to 65 countries and accounting for 7.8% of global arms exports.

US accounts for more than 50% of Europe's arms imports

In 2020-2024, the US supplied more than 50% of Europe's arms imports, with the UK, the Netherlands, and Norway being among the largest buyers of US weapons.

For the first time in 20 years, Europe accounted for the largest share of US arms exports, at 35%, surpassing the Middle East, which dropped to second place with 33%.

Saudi Arabia became the largest buyer of US arms, accounting for 12% of total sales.

Arms imports in Asia and Oceania decreased by 21%, largely due to China producing more of its own weapons.

China accounted for 5.9% of global arms exports in 2020-2024, making it the fourth-largest exporter, while its arms imports fell by 64% over the past five years.

Arms imports in the Middle East also decreased by 20% in the 2020-2024 period, compared to 2015-2019.

Germany accounted for 33% of Israel's arms imports

Germany, with a 2.6% share of global arms exports -- lower than its neighbor France -- accounted for 33% of Israel's arms imports. The US held the largest share of Israel's arms imports in 2020-2024, with 66%.

India became the world's second-largest arms importer despite its arms imports decreasing by 9.3%.