Global report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute highlights major changes in the international arms market between 2021 and 2025.
Germany has overtaken China to become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, according to a new report on international weapons transfers released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
The institute’s annual analysis examines transfers of major conventional weapons carried out worldwide between 2021 and 2025, revealing a significant shift in the structure of the global defense market.
According to the study, the five largest arms exporters during the period were:
- United States
- France
- Russia
- Germany
- China
Together, these five countries accounted for around 70% of all global arms exports during the analyzed period.
United States maintains clear leadership
The report shows that the United States continues to dominate the international defense market, accounting for approximately 42% of all global arms exports.
In addition, U.S. export volumes increased by about 27% compared with the previous five-year cycle, further strengthening the country’s leadership in supplying advanced military systems.
Among the main buyers of American weapons are NATO allies and countries in the Middle East seeking to modernize their armed forces amid rising geopolitical tensions.
France consolidates second place
France ranks second, with a 9.8% share of the global military export market.
Major customers of the French defense industry include:
- India
- Egypt
- Greece
Strong demand for fighter jets, naval platforms, and air defense systems helped boost the performance of France’s military sector during the period.
Russia loses ground in the global market
Traditionally one of the world’s largest exporters of military equipment, Russia dropped to third place with about 6.8% of the global market.
According to the SIPRI report, Russian arms exports fell by roughly 64% compared with the previous five-year period.
Several factors contributed to this decline, including:
- international sanctions
- industrial challenges
- redirection of production toward domestic military needs
Germany climbs in the global ranking
Germany reached fourth place with approximately 5.7% of global arms exports.
According to the study, about 24% of German military exports during the period were delivered to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The report indicates that Germany’s position was boosted by:
- increased military spending in Europe
- Western military assistance to Ukraine
- growing demand for German air defense systems and armored vehicles
China ranks fifth
China ranked fifth with about 5.6% of the global military export market.
According to SIPRI, Pakistan remains the main customer of China’s defense industry, accounting for roughly 80% of Beijing’s arms exports.
The report also points to structural changes in China’s military strategy.
In recent years, the country has increasingly prioritized modernizing its own armed forces, directing a larger portion of industrial production toward domestic use rather than external sales.
War in Ukraine reshapes the global arms market
The report highlights that the war between Russia and Ukraine has had a major impact on the dynamics of international arms trade.
With the decline in Russian exports, European suppliers such as Germany, France, and Italy have gained greater space in the global market as many countries seek alternatives to Russian military equipment.
How SIPRI measures the global arms trade
SIPRI’s analysis examines actual deliveries of weapons rather than announced contracts.
The systems evaluated include:
- combat aircraft
- air defense systems
- tanks and armored vehicles
- heavy artillery
- naval warships
- missile platforms
The institute compiles its data using open sources, government disclosures, and defense industry information, providing a comprehensive view of global trends in the arms trade.
+ FBI raises minimum reward for fugitives on “Ten Most Wanted” list to up to $1 million
Source and images: SIPRI | Wikimedia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
