Europe now world’s largest arms importer

According to the latest data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Europe has become the world’s largest importer of arms. Between 2021 and 2025, European countries more than tripled their arms purchases compared with the previous five-year period.

The main reasons are the war in Ukraine and growing concerns about Russia, which have forced governments to strengthen their armed forces and increase military aid to Kyiv.

Europe now accounts for about one third of global arms imports, a significant increase from the previous 12 per cent. Despite efforts to strengthen domestic production, European countries are buying mainly American technology, especially combat aircraft and air defence systems.

In contrast, arms imports to the Middle East have declined slightly, although Saudi Arabia and Qatar remain among the largest individual buyers.

At the same time, the US has strengthened its dominance among arms exporters and increased its global market share to 42 per cent, while Russia’s exports have fallen significantly since its invasion of Ukraine.

(reuters, pir)