Between 2019 and 2023, European countries imported almost twice as many weapons as in previous years (2014 to 2018). However, the global arms trade has fallen slightly by 3.3 percent, as shown in the new report from the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
By far the largest importer in Europe is still Ukraine. Their share is 4.9 percent worldwide. “In recent years we have seen a significantly increased need for air defense systems in Europe, caused by the Russian attack on Ukraine,” says Pieter Wezeman of SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). The majority of European arms imports (55 percent) come from the US.
42 percent of all exports from the US
According to the report, the US is once again the world’s largest arms exporter. They supply their war equipment to more countries than ever before and are responsible for 42 percent of all exports. France is in second place and Russia in third place. China is still just ahead of Germany. Europe is responsible for about a third of global arms exports, the majority of which go to regions outside Europe.
The five largest importers were India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Ukraine and Pakistan. The majority of deliveries to Asia also come from the US.
China’s neighbors are arming themselves
According to the report, it is striking that several of China’s neighbors are arming themselves: India, Pakistan, Japan and South Korea. In Japan, the increase is as much as 155 percent. This was driven by “concerns about China’s ambitions,” says SIPRI researcher Siemon Wezeman. However, the global arms trade has fallen by 3.3 percent over the past five years.
SIPRI assumes that imports into Europe will remain at a high level in the future. The continent is said to have a strong military-industrial capacity.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
