An increase in the international export of major weapons has been recorded in the last 5 years.
Modern.az reports that this was stated in the report of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) covering the years 2021–2025. According to the report, global arms exports increased by 9.2% compared to the previous five-year period (2016–2020).
According to the research, Russia was the only major arms supplier whose exports decreased in the last 5 years. According to SIPRI's calculations, Russia's arms exports decreased by 64% in 2021–2025. For this reason, the country dropped from second to third place in the list of the largest arms exporters and currently accounts for 6.8% of global major arms exports.
The report notes that the US ranked first with 42% of global arms exports. This figure is 6% higher compared to the previous five-year period. For the first time in twenty years, the main part of US arms exports was directed to European countries (38%), whereas previously the main destination was the Middle East (33%).
France holds the second place in the list with a 9.8% share. Approximately one-quarter (24%) of France's arms exports were sent to India. India is also the largest importer of Russian weapons, accounting for approximately 48% of Russia's exports.
The report also states that Ukraine remains the largest arms importer in Europe. In 2021–2025, the country accounted for 9.7% of global arms imports. The main arms suppliers to Ukraine were the US (41%), Germany (14%), and Poland (9.4%).
SIPRI notes that the volume of weapons sent to Ukraine in 2025 decreased compared to previous years. Experts attribute this to a reduction in direct military supplies from the US after Donald Trump's return to power.
The authors of the study state that arms supplies to Ukraine have become one of the main driving forces behind the increase in global arms exports over the past five years. In addition, many European countries have also increased their arms purchases amid the growing threat from Russia.
