Global arms transfers increased by 9.2% over the 2021 to 2025 period, according to new data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, reinforcing the continued expansion of defence procurement activity worldwide.
The United States maintained its position as the world’s leading arms exporter, accounting for 42% of total global transfers. France ranked second with a 9.8% share, followed by Russia at 6.8%, Germany at 5.7%, and China at 5.6%. Collectively, these five nations were responsible for approximately 70% of all international arms exports.
Italy placed sixth with a 5.1% share, with over half of its exports directed towards the Middle East. Israel, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Spain followed, each contributing between 2% and 4% of global supply. Iran ranked 25th, accounting for 0.3% of exports, with domestically produced systems supplied primarily to Russia, Venezuela, and Houthi forces.
Receiving arms
On the demand side, Ukraine emerged as the largest recipient of major arms imports, accounting for 9.7% of global volume. This represents a substantial increase from just 0.1% in the previous five year period, reflecting the ongoing conflict with Russia.
India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan completed the top five importers, with Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates also featuring prominently. The continued presence of Gulf states among the leading importers highlights sustained investment in military capability across the region, despite an overall 13% decline in Middle Eastern arms imports compared to the previous period. Notably, imports into the UAE fell by 15%.
The United States remained the primary supplier to Gulf Cooperation Council countries, providing 77% of Saudi Arabia’s imports, 48% of Qatar’s, 62% of Kuwait’s, and 42% of the UAE’s. France also maintained a strong position within the region.
Increasing profits
In parallel, SIPRI reported that revenues generated by the world’s 100 largest arms producing companies reached a record $69 billion in 2024, marking a 5.9% year on year increase. Nine of these companies were based in the Middle East, collectively generating $31 billion.
Geographically, US arms exports were distributed across 99 countries, with Europe accounting for the largest share at 38%, overtaking the Middle East for the first time in two decades. Saudi Arabia remained the single largest recipient of US exports, representing approximately 12%.
In Africa, Morocco became the continent’s largest arms importer, increasing its acquisitions by 12% and ranking 28th globally. The United States supplied 60% of Morocco’s imports, followed by Israel and France. Meanwhile, Algeria experienced a sharp 78% decline in imports, falling to 33rd globally, although SIPRI noted that limited transparency may result in underreported figures.
The decline
Across the African continent as a whole, arms imports declined by 41%. The United States, China, Russia, and France remained the principal suppliers to the region.
SIPRI concluded that regional tensions, particularly between Morocco and Algeria, continue to influence procurement strategies, while global demand remains shaped by ongoing conflict, geopolitical competition, and shifting security priorities.
