In the past four years, Ukraine has been the topmost importer of heavy weapons in the world. Meanwhile, the USA is the biggest exporter of arms. The latest report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has highlighted dramatic geopolitical changes worldwide. These changes have occurred over the past few years. According to the report released on March 10, Ukraine has been the largest recipient of heavy weapons. This is for the period from 2020-2024. The country attacked by Russia has increased its imports almost by hundred times as compared to its imports during 2015-2019. According to the latest report, almost 9% of all global arms exports ended up in Ukraine. The major reason for these imports by Ukraine has been the ongoing war with Russia.
The report also highlights that during the same time arms imports from other European countries rose by 155%. This is also being seen as the direct consequence of Russia Ukraine war that began in February 2022. SIPRI researchers in Stockholm identified another reason for this. The reason is uncertainty about the future direction of US foreign policy.
The new trend in the arms transfers data clearly shows the rearmament taking place among European countries. This is being considered as a European response to the threat from Russia. The data shows decline in import volumes by some major arms importers, including Saudi Arabia, India and China. There are different reasons for this cut in imports by these countries as per the report. India has adopted a policy to make in India to decrease its dependence on other nations for its military requirements.
According to the report, Ukraine imported weapons from 35 countries between 2020 and 2024. Ukraine has imported 8.8 % of the total world imports between 2020-24. The US accounted for 45% of all deliveries, followed by Germany with 12% and Poland with 11%.
These figures also highlight the magnitude of impact on Ukraine. This is due to the foreign policy under new President Donald Trump. He has already decided to withdraw military support for Ukraine altogether. Ukraine was the only European country among the top ten arms importers worldwide in the period between 2020-2024. Meanwhile, other European countries also significantly increased their arms orders and deliveries. The SIPRI document reveals that the US remains the biggest arms exporter of weapons worldwide. It delivered to a total of 107 countries between 2020 and 2024. “The US is in a unique position when it comes to arms exports. At 43%, its share of global arms exports is substantial. Its share is more than four times France’s share. France is the next-largest exporter,” said the Editor, SIPRI Mathew George in the report.
Russia, on the other hand, exported 63% fewer weapons between 2015 and 2024. In 2021 and 2022, the total volume was the lowest in the past two decades. The main reason for this was Russia’s self armament in preparation for war rather than selling weapons elsewhere.
“The war against Ukraine has further accelerated the drop in Russia’s arms exports. More weapons are needed on the battlefield. Trade sanctions make it harder for Russia to produce and sell its weapons. The US and its allies pressure states not to buy Russian arms,” the report said. If the country was still selling weapons, it was mainly to China and India.
