The latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals that while global arms exports have largely stagnated over the past decade, regional shifts in military spending reflect the profound geopolitical changes currently reshaping global security dynamics.

Ukraine Becomes World's Largest Arms Recipient

According to SIPRI, Ukraine was the largest recipient of heavy weaponry between 2020 and 2024, following Russia’s invasion in 2022. The country increased its arms imports almost a hundredfold compared to the 2015–2019 period, with nearly 9% of all global arms exports directed to Ukraine. The United States accounted for 45% of Ukraine’s military imports, followed by Germany (12%) and Poland (11%).

This dramatic surge underscores Ukraine's reliance on Western military aid. However, uncertainty looms following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump in January 2025. Trump recently halted military support for Ukraine amid a dispute with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, raising concerns over Kyiv’s ability to sustain its defense efforts.

European Arms Imports Surge Amid Russian Threat

The report highlights a 155% rise in arms imports by European nations, driven primarily by security concerns following Russia’s aggression. European NATO members have taken measures to reduce reliance on U.S. military supplies and bolster domestic defense industries. However, the transatlantic arms trade remains significant, with Europe still receiving substantial U.S. military equipment, including nearly 500 combat aircraft on order.

"The new arms transfer figures clearly reflect the rearmament taking place in Europe in response to the threat from Russia," said SIPRI researcher Pieter Wezeman.

U.S. Maintains Dominance in Global Arms Exports, Russia Declines

Despite shifts in regional military spending, the United States remains the world’s largest arms exporter, accounting for 43% of global arms transfers between 2020 and 2024. This figure is more than four times higher than that of the second-largest exporter, France.

Russia, however, has seen a steep decline in its arms exports, with a 63% drop since 2015. The country’s invasion of Ukraine has further accelerated this decline as Moscow prioritizes its own military needs, faces Western trade sanctions, and deals with pressure from the U.S. and its allies discouraging purchases of Russian arms. Russia’s remaining key arms customers include China and India.

Shifts in Arms Imports Across the Middle East and Asia

While arms imports in the Middle East decreased by 20% from 2015–2019 to 2020–2024, the region still features prominently among global arms recipients. Four of the top ten arms importers—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Kuwait—are Gulf nations. Meanwhile, Asia and Oceania remained the world’s largest arms-importing region, with India, Pakistan, Japan, and Australia ranking among the top global buyers.

Despite ongoing conflicts in the region, Israel's arms imports remained relatively stable, as the country continues to utilize previously acquired weaponry, primarily from the United States.

Germany Plans Massive Defense Investments

Looking ahead, Germany is set to dramatically expand its military budget. The country plans to invest approximately €400 billion ($543 billion) into the Bundeswehr and military support for Ukraine over the next several years, according to SIPRI estimates.

The global arms trade may have stagnated in overall volume, but shifting geopolitical alliances and emerging security threats continue to drive significant changes in the distribution of military exports and imports worldwide.