SIPRI Report on Global Arms Transfers (2020-24)

SIPRI Report highlights global arms trade trends, with U.S. exports rising, Ukraine becoming the top importer, and increasing European reliance on American weaponry.

Table of Contents

Context: Recently, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released new data on international arms transfers.

SIPRI Report on Global Arms Import Trends

Ukraine became the largest arms importer globally in 2020-24, witnessing a nearly 100-fold increase in imports compared to 2015-19, primarily due to its ongoing war with Russia.
India ranked as the second-largest arms importer, though its imports declined by 9.3% compared to 2015-19.
China dropped out of the top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1990-94, reflecting its strengthened domestic defense industry.
Pakistan’s arms imports increased by 61% from 2015-19 to 2020-24.
- China dominated as Pakistan’s main supplier, contributing to 81% of total imports.
European arms imports grew by 155%, driven by concerns over Russian aggression.

Global Arms Export Trends

Russia’s Declining Arms Exports: Russia’s global arms exports fell by 64%, now making up just 8% of the global market.
France’s Rising Arms Exports: France overtook Russia as the second-largest arms exporter in 2020-24, accounting for 6% of global exports.
- Major buyers of French arms: India (28%) (largest recipient) & Qatar (9.7%).
U.S.A. has expanded its dominance, increasing its share to 43% of global arms exports.

India’s Arms Imports

India’s largest supplier remained Russia, but its share declined to 36% (from 55% in 2015-19 and 72% in 2010-14).
India was the biggest export destination for both Russia and France from 2020 to 24.
France emerged as a key supplier, with India accounting for 28% of French arms exports.
Major Indian arms deals with France:
- 36 Rafale fighter jets
- 6 Scorpene-class submarines
- Upcoming deals: 26 Rafale-M jets and 3 more submarines.

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

It is a globally renowned institute dedicated to research on conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament.
It was founded in 1966. It is based in Stockholm.
SIPRI provides critical data and analysis on global security issues, particularly related to military expenditures and the arms trade, in its Yearly Book.