Steel Pathways
This design provides a detailed analysis of the major regions and subregions involved in global arms imports from 2000 to 2023. According to SIPRI data, Asia and Oceania have emerged as the regions with the highest import volumes, accounting for 42% of the global total. Within this region, India stands out as the top importer, holding a 9.9% share of global arms imports.
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The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), established in 1996, has become a leading authority in researching conflicts, armament, and disarmament. Its recent update to the arms transfer database offers a more accurate view of the dynamics of the arms trade: who buys, who sells, and how power relations are shaped through these transactions.
Where do the arms go?
In the 21st century, the primary arms importers are concentrated in Asia and Oceania (42%), followed by the Middle East (26%). While there is a global trend of decreasing arms imports, Europe has experienced a 94% increase between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023. This rise is largely attributed to escalating diplomatic tensions and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has extended its impact to other European nations. Notably, 55% of these arms originate from the United States.
This increase in Europe is also evident in Ukraine, where arms imports have surged. Ukraine’s share of global arms imports grew from just 0.1% in 2014-2018 to 4.9% in 2019-2023. The United States has been the leading supplier, delivering 62,306 weapons between 2021 and 2023, including 19,500 guided rockets and 13,000 anti-tank missiles.
In the Middle East, high levels of arms imports are maintained due to ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region, such as those in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen. In 2023, military spending in the Middle East increased by 9.0%, reaching $200 billion—the highest annual increase in the decade from 2014 to 2023. Israel saw a 24% rise in military spending, reaching $27.5 billion, largely due to its large-scale offensive in Gaza.
Where do the arms come from?
Regarding exports, major global powers dominate the market. Between 2000 and 2023, the United States accounted for 34% of arms exports, followed by Russia (21%), France (7.9%), Germany (6.6%), China (4.7%), and the United Kingdom (4.3%). These countries have consistently been in the top 10 since 1975, with Israel and Spain joining more recently.
In the 2022 ranking of the top 100 arms producers and military service providers, notable companies include Lockheed Martin Corp (USA), NORINCO (China), Rostec (Russia), and Thales (France). These firms specialize in supplying artillery, ammunition, armored vehicles, and other military equipment.
One significant change in arms exports is the decline of Russia, which saw a 53% drop in its exports between 2014-2018 and 2019-2023. In 2019, Russia exported arms to 31 countries, but by 2023, this number had shrunk to 12. Of these exports, India received 34% and China 21%.
Analyzing arms distribution networks reveals how demand increases in response to conflicts and how states seek suppliers based on ideological and political affinities. This dynamic is closely tied to current geopolitics. For instance, the United States is the leading arms supplier to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, Qatar, and Taiwan, reflecting its strategic alliances and regional interests.
This visualization links the top 50 arms-importing countries between 2000 and 2023 with their main suppliers.
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