According to a report by the Stockholm-based SIPRI peace research institute, Germany has overtaken China to become the fourth largest exporter of major weapons. Nearly a quarter of German deliveries went to Ukraine, while Europe as a whole has tripled its imports. The rise is driven primarily by the war in Ukraine and uncertainties about US support in NATO.
The SIPRI report on international arms transfers for the period 2021 to 2025 shows a global increase in deliveries of 9.2 percent compared to 2016 to 2020. Germany has raised its share of worldwide exports to 5.7 percent, displacing China to fifth place. About 24 percent of German arms exports went to support Ukraine, with another 17 percent to other European countries, making Europe the main recipient region at 41 percent.
European states have more than tripled their arms imports, with a 210 percent rise. Following Ukraine as Europe's largest importer are Poland and Great Britain. Nearly half of the imports come from the US (48 percent), followed by Germany (7.1 percent) and France (6.2 percent). "Deliveries to Ukraine since 2022 are the most obvious factor," said SIPRI researcher Mathew George. The Russian threat and doubts about US loyalty in NATO are driving demand.
The US dominates with 42 percent of all global deliveries, an increase of 27 percent. France is in second place, Russia third with a 64 percent decline. "Russia is single-handedly responsible for the strong increase in European arms imports," explained SIPRI expert Katarina Djokic. Despite ramped-up domestic production, European states continue importing US weapons, particularly combat aircraft and long-range air defense systems. Ukraine received 9.7 percent of all worldwide arms transfers. SIPRI measures volume, not financial value, and covers major weapons like aircraft, tanks, and artillery.
