Russian arms exports decline while US, France lead the way

According to a recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia has slipped to third place among the world's largest arms exporters, ceding its second-place position to France. The United States retains its leading status in global arms exports.

As detailed by Caliber.Az, the SIPRI report highlights a significant growth in US arms exports, with a notable 17 per cent increase. The United States now commands a staggering 42 per cent share of total global arms exports, supplying major weapons to 107 nations between 2019 and 2023—more than in any previous five-year period and surpassing all other arms exporters by a considerable margin.

Meanwhile, French arms exports witnessed a remarkable 47 per cent surge during the same period, largely driven by the supply of combat aircraft to countries such as India, Qatar, and Egypt.

While the United States and France experienced substantial growth in arms exports, other major players in the global arms trade faced mixed fortunes. Italy and South Korea saw notable increases in exports, with growth rates of 86 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively.

However, five countries among the top arms exporters—China, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Israel—experienced a decline in exports. China's exports dipped by 5.3 per cent, while Germany, the UK, Spain, and Israel witnessed decreases ranging from 3.3 per cent to 25 per cent.

The SIPRI report underscores shifting dynamics in the global arms trade, with the United States and France consolidating their positions as leading exporters. The decline in Russian arms exports reflects a broader trend, indicating evolving preferences among buyers and intensifying competition in the international arms market.

As geopolitical tensions persist and military modernization efforts continue worldwide, the arms trade landscape is likely to witness further transformations, shaping global security dynamics in the years to come.