Russian arms exports sharply declined: Top five arms exporters globally announced by SIPRI
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) latest report indicates that global major arms exports increased by 9.2% from the previous five years (2016–2020) in 2021–2025, marking the largest increase since 2011–2015.
Russia is the only country among the top ten arms suppliers whose exports declined.
The world's top five arms suppliers—United States, France, Russia, Germany, and China—account for 70% of global arms exports.
- United States: 42% of the global share (36% during 2016–2020), exporting arms to 99 countries.
For the first time in twenty years, Europe became the largest export region for U.S. arms (38%), not the Middle East (33%).
Largest buyer: Saudi Arabia (12%), followed by Ukraine (9.4%).
- France: Second globally, at 9.8%, with a 21% year-on-year increase in exports.
- Russia: Third globally, but exports fell by 64%.
Global share dropped from 21% (2016–2020) to 6.8% (2021–2025).
Exported to 30 countries and one non-state entity, 74% went to three countries: India (48%), China (13%), and Belarus (13%).
- Germany: Surpassed China to take fourth place, at 5.7%.
Germany’s arms accounted for 24% of aid to Ukraine, with another 17% exported to other European countries.
- China: Ranked fifth.
Top ten arms exporters globally
1. United States
2. France
3. Russia
4. Germany
5. China
6. Italy
7. Israel
8. United Kingdom
9. South Korea
10. Spain
Europe's overall arms exports account for 28%, four times that of Russia and five times that of China.
Ukraine: World's largest arms importer
SIPRI data: Ukraine was the world's largest arms importer in 2021–2025, accounting for 9.7% of global imports.
Top three suppliers:
- United States (41%)
- Germany (14%)
- Poland (9.4%)
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859185059347596/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.